Labor Trends, Inflation Watch & March Market Advantage Preview | April 7, 2026

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team opens with a market update and reviews where mortgage rates have been trading recently, including the OBMMI conventional 30-year range and related moves in the 10-year Treasury. They discuss how geopolitical headlines and broader market sentiment are interacting with rates and volatility.Next, Alex Hebner and James Cahill break down the latest labor market data, including the non-farm payrolls report and revisions, and how those results are influencing expectations for the rate path. They also preview key inflation releases ahead, including PCE and CPI, and discuss how energy and headline inflation can contribute to near-term market swings.The episode closes with a March mortgage data segment featuring a Market Advantage preview (report out 4/14). Mike Vough and Brennan O’Connell share highlights on lock activity, purchase versus refinance mix, product mix trends like ARM and non-QM, and notable secondary market themes including specified pay-ups, cash window execution, and servicing valuation.Key Points: Market update: rate ranges, volatility drivers, and headline-sensitive conditionsLabor and inflation: payrolls, revisions, and what to watch in PCE and CPIMarch Market Advantage preview: lock activity, product mix shifts, and secondary trendsSubscribe to receive the complimentary Market Advantage report each month: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantageOptimal Insights Team: Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerMike Vough, SVP, Corporate StrategyBrennan O’Connell, Director of Data SolutionsProduction 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:Is Your PPE Helping – or Holding You Back?Small delays can become everyday obstacles. If your team relies on workarounds, extra verification steps, or manual processes to keep loans moving, it may be time to rethink your pricing engine. Discover what a modern PPE should deliver – from real-time accuracy and intelligent automation to seamless workflow execution. Learn more today. Explore the Optimal Blue PPE - https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimalblueppe