In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner and James Cahill to unpack the latest developments in the mortgage and macroeconomic landscape. The team discusses the reopening of the U.S. government, the delayed release of September jobs data, and the implications of widespread layoffs in October. They explore the evolving rhetoric around Fed rate cuts, inflation concerns, and the shifting stance of key Fed governors.

The episode also features the new Market Advantage segment with Mike Vough and Brennan O’Connell, highlighting October’s mortgage production trends, rate movements, and secondary market dynamics. Notable insights include the rise in non-QM lending, increased pull-through rates, and a shift in servicing retention strategies.

Key Topics Covered:

• Government shutdown resolution and data delays
• Fed rate cut uncertainty and inflation signals
• FHFA proposals: LLPAs, 50-year mortgages, assumable loans
• Market Advantage insights: lock volume, rate spreads, servicing multiples
• Emerging HELOC models resembling reverse mortgages

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

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager

Market Advantage Section:

• Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy, Optimal Blue
• Brennan O’Connell, Director of Data Solutions, Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producer: Matt Gilhooly

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:

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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