Tariffs, Fed Cuts, and November 2025 Market Advantage Data | Dec. 8, 2025

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill and Alex Hebner for a deep dive into the latest market trends and economic signals as we approach year-end. They discuss the impact of tariffs, inflation trends, and employment data, highlighting how these factors influence interest rates and mortgage activity. The conversation covers the Fed’s upcoming meeting, expected rate cuts, and the implications of leadership changes in early 2026.Later, Brennan O’Connell and Mike Vough preview the November 2025 Market Advantage Report, analyzing origination trends, lock volumes, rate movements, and secondary market execution strategies. Key insights include strong refinance activity, non-QM growth, and evolving investor behaviors.Subscribe to the Market Advantage Report to receive the data directly in your inbox: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantageKey Points Discussed:Tariffs and potential Supreme Court ruling on legality.Inflation easing to 2.7% and its effect on rate expectations.Private payroll contraction and small business challenges.Anticipated Fed rate cut and leadership turnover in 2026.November lock volume trends and non-QM share hitting 9%.Secondary market execution shifts and MSR valuation changes.Optimal Insights Team:Jim Glennon, Senior Vice President, Hedging and Trading OperationsAlex Hebner, Hedge Account ManagerJames Cahill, MSF/MSR Account ManagerMike Vough, Senior Vice President, 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:Lock Loans on the Go – Mobile Locking in the Optimal Blue Mobile AppTraditional loan locking slows decisions and ties you to a desk, but borrowers expect instant answers. Optimal Blue’s Mobile Locking changes the game. With our native iOS and Android app, loan officers can access their pipeline, run pricing, and lock loans anytime, anywhere – fast, secure, and accurate. No delays. No extra cost. Just seamless mobility that enhances the borrower experience. Download the Optimal Blue Mobile App today and start locking loans on the go.Mobile LockingOptimal 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