8.5.26 M&A Activity; HomeLight's Nick Friedman on Borrower Psychology; Mortgage Applications

Treasuries and Agency MBS have rallied on easing geopolitical tensions, while resilient labor market data, a narrowing trade deficit, and steady purchase-driven mortgage issuance reinforced expectations that the Fed will remain focused on inflation even as higher mortgage rates continue to suppress refinancing activity. Plus, Robbie interviews HomeLight’s Nick Friedman on how affordability challenges are evolving as the housing market adjusts to higher borrowing costs. And the podcast closes with the latest look at mortgage applications from MBA.Thank you to Figure. Figure is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the Banking, Credit Union, Home Improvement, and of course, IMB space embedding their technology. Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.