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 strategiesThe Fed’s shifting composition and growing support for rate cutsInflation data and its influence on monetary policyPresident Trump’s social media post hinting at a Fannie-Freddie IPO and its market implicationsCME futures signaling strong odds of multiple rate cuts by year-end Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. Modern. Proven. The engine that powers lender profitability. Optimal Insights Team: Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal BlueAlex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal BlueJames Cahill, MSR Account Manager, Optimal Blue Production Team: Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Røise Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice. -- 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: AI at Optimal Blue – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line Is your technology vendor selling real solutions – or just the idea of them? Too often, companies pitch big returns, offer free trials, and promise seamless automation, only to reveal during implementation that the tech doesn’t actually exist. At Optimal Blue, we take a different approach. Our AI-powered automation is already live, already delivering, and already saving lenders real dollars. We show you exactly where the ROI comes from and how it reduces risk – no vague timelines, just proven technology that’s working in production today. AI at Optimal Blue isn’t just about delivering software; it’s about empowering lenders to make smarter decisions, operate more efficiently, and stay ahead of the curve. Built around real capital markets challenges, informed by direct engagement with thousands of clients, and focused on delivering measurable value at no additional cost to clients, while others talk about AI, we’re delivering it – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line. AI at Optimal Blue - OI 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
