In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s final rate cut of 2025, labor market uncertainty, and the biggest economic events shaping mortgage rates. They share expert insights on tariffs, tech-driven capital spending, housing trends, and regulatory changes, offering a clear picture of what to expect in 2026.Key Points Discussed:Market update and Fed policy outlookFed’s final 2025 rate cut and hawkish toneLabor market uncertainty and job revisionsUpward pressure on rates from tech investment, tariffs, and volatilityDownward pressure from global conflicts and softening labor marketHousing market slowdown and regional trendsRegulatory changes and FHFA’s creative proposalsAI’s influence on economic dynamics and capital spendingOptimal Insights Team:Jim Glennon, Senior Vice President of Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerKevin Foley, Director of Product ManagementProduction Team:Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducer: Matt GilhoolyCommentary 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:Lock Loans on the Go – Mobile Locking in the Optimal Blue Mobile AppTraditional loan locking slows decisions and ties you to a desk, but borrowers expect instant answers. Optimal Blue’s Mobile Locking changes the game. With our native iOS and Android app, loan officers can access their pipeline, run pricing, and lock loans anytime, anywhere – fast, secure, and accurate. No delays. No extra cost. Just seamless mobility that enhances the borrower experience. Download the Optimal Blue Mobile App today and start locking loans on the go.Mobile LockingSchedule is Live – Optimal Blue SummitThe Optimal Blue Summit 2026 agenda is live! Join us February 23–25 at Talking Stick Resort & Conference Center in Scottsdale, AZ for three days of innovation, insights, and networking. Explore tracks like Activate AI & Automation, Grow Your Profitability, Ensure End-to-End Results, and Tech Showcases & Training – all designed to deliver measurable ROI. Hear from featured speakers including Olympic legend Michael Phelps, MBA President Bob Broeksmit, Chief Economist Michael Fratantoni, and leaders from Optimal Blue. Check out the full agenda and register now at Summit.OptimalBlue.com. Use code HOLIDAY for discounted pricing – available for a limited time. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of mortgage technology!Summit - OI