In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss the latest market developments. The team explores the economic implications of newly implemented tariffs, the Federal Reserve’s evolving stance on interest rates, and speculation surrounding a potential IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Key topics include:

• Tariff rollout and its impact on consumers and corporate pricing strategies
• The Fed’s shifting composition and growing support for rate cuts
• Inflation data and its influence on monetary policy
• President Trump’s social media post hinting at a Fannie-Freddie IPO and its market implications
• CME futures signaling strong odds of multiple rate cuts by year-end

Modern. Proven. The engine that powers lender profitability.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• James Cahill, MSR Account Manager, Optimal Blue

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Røise

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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:

Capture for Originators

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Capture for Originators

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