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:Optimal Blue Study - MarketWise AdvisorsMortgage capital markets decisions have a direct impact on lender profitability, efficiency, and risk management. To better understand that impact, Optimal Blue commissioned an independent ROI study with MarketWise Advisors, analyzing data from hundreds of mortgage lenders, including banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage banks. The Optimal Blue ROI Study highlights consistent gains in operational efficiency, pricing accuracy, and financial performance for lenders using Optimal Blue technology. Key findings include an average $1,006 net financial benefit per loan, nearly 45% greater operational capacity, and strong return on investment reported by PPE clients, with results consistent across lender types. The full 2026 Optimal Blue ROI Study will be released in May and provides a data‑driven look at how mortgage capital markets technology can support better execution and decision‑making. 👉 Sign up to be notified when the full report is released: OptimalBlue.com/2026-study ROI Study