In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss inflation trends, labor market revisions, and expectations for the Fed’s upcoming rate decision. Later in the episode, Vimi Vasudeva joins Jim, Jeff, and James to share insights from the recent Optimal Insights Forum, including MSR pricing dynamics, AI’s impact on servicing, and investor sentiment around ARM and non-QM products.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Market Update: Inflation data (CPI/PPI), labor market revisions, and expectations for the upcoming Fed meeting.
• Interest Rate Outlook: Anticipated quarter-point rate cut, implications for mortgage and treasury rates.
• Optimal Insights Forum Recap: Highlights from the Optimal Insights Forum in Nashville, including MSR pricing, AI in servicing, and investor sentiment.
• MSR Panel Insights: Supply trailing demand, high servicing multiples, and AI’s impact on servicing costs.
• Investor & GSE Panel: Growth in non-QM and ARM production, affordability strategies, and GSE policy shifts.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services
• Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product
• James Cahill, MSR Account Manager
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager
• Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director

Optimal Blue Production Team:

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

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

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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