In this bonus episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and special guest Chris Maloney discuss the impact of recent tariff changes on the mortgage industry.

Jim Glennon, vice president of hedging and trading and client services at Optimal Blue, hosts this bonus episode. He is joined by Chris Maloney, mortgage strategist, and Alex Hebner from Optimal Blue. They share their insights into the recent tariff turmoil between the U.S., China, and many countries around the world, discussing its implications for the capital markets and the mortgage industry.

Key points covered include:

• Tariff Drama: The escalation of tariff disputes between the U.S. and China, including reciprocal tariffs and their immediate effects on the stock and bond markets.
• Economic Impact: Analysis of how these tariffs are influencing global trade, inflation, and interest rates, with insights into the potential long-term consequences.
• Mortgage Market: Discussion on how the tariff situation is affecting mortgage rates, housing inventory, and the overall health of the mortgage industry.
• Global Trade Dynamics: Examination of the broader implications for international trade relationships and the potential shifts in global economic power.

Hosts & Guests:

• Jim Glennon, VP of Hedging & Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Chris Maloney, Mortgage Strategist, BOK Financial
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producer: Matt Gilhooly

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Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, Originations

Mentioned in this episode:

Smarter Hedging Starts with the Right Team

Innovative technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. At Optimal Blue, our hedging client services team partners with you to navigate risk, act decisively, and stay ahead of market shifts. Combine that expertise with CompassEdge – our hedging and loan trading platform – and you gain real-time insights, faster execution, and a strategy that adapts with the market. Whether you need full-service support or just another set of eyes, Optimal Blue delivers a high-performance engine built on people, powered by technology, and focused on your bottom line. 📅 Join our webinar: Maximize Profitability With a Smarter Hedging & Trading Strategy 🕛 August 20 at 12 p.m. CT 🔗 https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2676301910911287388?source=podcast

Effortless Best Efforts Locking with Optimal Blue

Manual locking just got an upgrade. With Optimal Blue’s latest enhancement to the Optimal Blue® PPE platform, lock desk users can now complete the entire locking process – start to finish – with a single click. No system toggling. No rekeying. Lock requests are sent directly to investors via API, reducing processing time from minutes to seconds. Secure data flow and real-time updates ensure transparency, speed, and confidence for both originators and investors. Learn more at https://www.optimalblue.com or in the press release: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-fully-automates-best-efforts-locking-directly-with-investors