In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill and Alex Hebner for a deep dive into the latest market trends and economic signals as we approach year-end. They discuss the impact of tariffs, inflation trends, and employment data, highlighting how these factors influence interest rates and mortgage activity. The conversation covers the Fed’s upcoming meeting, expected rate cuts, and the implications of leadership changes in early 2026.

Later, Brennan O’Connell and Mike Vough preview the November 2025 Market Advantage Report, analyzing origination trends, lock volumes, rate movements, and secondary market execution strategies. Key insights include strong refinance activity, non-QM growth, and evolving investor behaviors.

Subscribe to the Market Advantage Report to receive the data directly in your inbox: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage

Key Points Discussed:

• Tariffs and potential Supreme Court ruling on legality.
• Inflation easing to 2.7% and its effect on rate expectations.
• Private payroll contraction and small business challenges.
• Anticipated Fed rate cut and leadership turnover in 2026.
• November lock volume trends and non-QM share hitting 9%.
• Secondary market execution shifts and MSR valuation changes.

• Jim Glennon, Senior Vice President, Hedging and Trading Operations
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager
• James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager
• Mike Vough, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy
• Brennan O’Connell, Director of Data Solutions

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producer: Matt Gilhooly

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimal Blue Summit 2026 | February 23-25 | Scottsdale, Arizona

In case you missed it – Optimal Blue has announced the dates for its 2026 Summit! Join us February 23 – 25 at Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a client-exclusive event packed with strategic insight and innovation. Attendees will gain early access to Optimal Blue’s latest generative AI and automation tools, dive into expert-led sessions on pricing, compliance and more, and experience hands-on demos of new capabilities. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with capital markets pros, integration partners, and mortgage insiders—all while gaining actionable strategies to maximize profitability and sharpen your competitive edge. The Optimal Blue Summit: where proven mortgage expertise meets modern innovation to shape what's next. Early bird registration is now open at Summit.OptimalBlue.com – space is limited, so register today! News release: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-to-host-its-2026-summit-february-23-25-in-scottsdale Registration: Summit.OptimalBlue.com

Summit - OI

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Mobile Locking