Navigating the Non-QM Landscape | Market Updates | July 28, 2025

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s lending environment. Mike breaks down the nuances of non-QM lending, including borrower profiles, pricing challenges, and hedging strategies, while offering insights into how Optimal Blue is helping lenders navigate this complex market.Key Topics:Market update: Fed meeting, trade developments, and labor dataWhat is a non-QM loan? Definitions and borrower typesDSCR and bank statement loans explainedPricing and hedging challenges in the absence of a TBA marketThe future of non-QM: investor appetite, risk, and opportunity🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.Optimal Insights Team:Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal BlueAlex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal BlueVimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Optimal BlueSpecial Guest:Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy, Optimal BlueProduction Team:Executive Producer: Sara HoltzProducers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey RøiseCommentary 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