Market Update and VantageScore with Rikard Bandebo| Optimal Insights | July 21, 2026

Market Update and VantageScore with Rikard Bandebo| Optimal Insights | July 21, 2026

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon and James Cahill discuss recent market volatility, mortgage rates, inflation data, equity market activity, consumer pressure, and the broader economic landscape. The conversation covers movements in the OBMMI, Treasury yields, equity market pullbacks, inflation readings, energy prices, and expectations around Fed policy. Jim is then joined by special guest Rikard Bandebo, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Economist at VantageScore, for a discussion on credit scoring innovation, VantageScore 4.0, mortgage industry adoption, rental data, trended credit data, score consistency across bureaus, and how lenders can think about implementation. KEY POINTS * Mortgage rates and Treasury yields moved alongside broader market volatility, including equity market pullbacks and shifts in investor sentiment. * Inflation data, energy prices, and consumer pressure remained central to the discussion around Fed policy expectations. * Rikard Bandebo joined the episode to discuss VantageScore 4.0, credit scoring innovation, mortgage market adoption, rental data, trended data, and score consistency. CHAPTERS * 00:00 – Welcome to Optimal Insights * 00:34 – Market Update and OBMMI Movement * 02:29 – Equity Market Pullbacks and Investor Behavior * 06:07 – Inflation Data and Rate Expectations * 10:08 – Consumer Pressure and the K-Shaped Economy * 14:51 – Fed Commentary and Policy Outlook * 17:49 – Transition to Special Guest Interview * 17:59 – Introduction to Rikard Bandebo * 19:04 – What Is VantageScore? * 25:18 – Mortgage Industry Adoption of VantageScore 4.0 * 29:52 – Trended Data, Rental Data, and Expanded Credit Visibility * 43:31 – Score Consistency Across Credit Bureaus * 46:11 – Next Steps for Lenders * 48:19 – Closing Remarks OPTIMAL INSIGHTS TEAM * Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging & Trading Operations * James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager SPECIAL GUEST * Rikard Bandebo, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Economist at VantageScore PRODUCTION TEAM * Executive Producer: Sara Holtz * Producer: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice. References to specific credit scoring models are included as part of the episode discussion and do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any model, vendor, or scoring approach.

Housing Policy, Inflation Trends & June Market Advantage | July 14, 2026

Welcome to this week's episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill and Alex Hebner for a market update covering housing policy developments, Middle East tensions, inflation expectations, Federal Reserve dynamics, and the economic pressures facing consumers. The conversation then shifts to Mike Vough and Brennan O'Connell for a review of the latest Market Advantage report, highlighting June mortgage market performance across origination volume, refinance activity, product mix, secondary market trends, mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values, and investor demand. The team shares their expert perspectives on the economic forces influencing mortgage rates, lender activity, and housing market performance as the industry moves through the summer buying season. Subscribe to Market Advantage: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/ [https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/] Key Points * Housing policy updates, Middle East geopolitical tensions, and their impact on rates and market sentiment * CPI and PPI expectations, Federal Reserve policy outlook, and consumer economic pressures * June Market Advantage data showing stronger lock activity, growing non-agency lending, and healthy investor demand Chapters * 00:01 – Welcome and market overview * 01:45 – Housing legislation and housing supply initiatives * 05:44 – Middle East developments and market implications * 07:30 – Federal Reserve outlook, inflation, and economic trends * 18:13 – Market Advantage review: June origination and rate trends * 22:45 – Secondary market execution, MSR values, and investor activity * 28:03 – Closing remarks Optimal Insights Team: * Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading Operations * James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager * Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager * Mike Vough, SVP, Corporate Strategy * Brennan O'Connell, Director of Data Solutions Production Team: * Executive Producer: Sara Holtz * Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Non-QM Growth, Jobs Data, and Market Trends | Optimal Insights | July 7, 2026

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, the Optimal Insights team discusses recent unemployment data, labor force participation trends, and their impact on rate expectations. They share their expert opinions and insights into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape, along with a deep dive with Justin Roddel into non-QM growth and execution dynamics following the IMN conference. Key Points: * Unemployment data reflects softer job growth and declining participation * Rate hike expectations ease amid mixed labor signals * Non-QM market growth outpaces execution and infrastructure development CHAPTERS * 00:00 Introduction to Optimal Insights * 14:37 Introduction to Non-QM Mortgages * 17:19 Growth and Trends in Non-QM Market * 24:04 Challenges in Execution and Risk Management * 31:21 Mandatory vs. Best Effort Execution * 35:01 Future of Non-QM and Market Opportunities * 38:04 Introduction to Optimal Insights * 38:04 Market Analysis Trends Optimal Insights Team: * Jim Glennon, Senior Vice President, Hedging & Trading Operations * James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager * Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager * Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Hedging & Trading Operations Special Guest: * Justin Roddel, Solutions Specialist Production Team: * Executive Producer: Sara Holtz * Producer: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice. ----- mortgage market, capital markets, non QM, non-qualified mortgage, mortgage rates, housing market, interest rates, Federal Reserve, unemployment data, labor market, mortgage origination, secondary market, mortgage backed securities, hedging strategies, MSR, loan pricing, fintech mortgage, Optimal Insights, economic outlook, mortgage industry trends

250 Years of Housing Finance | Market Update | Optimal Insights | June 30, 2026

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jim Glennon, James Cahill, and Alex Hebner discuss recent developments in mortgage markets, including rate movements, inflation trends, and Treasury activity. They explore how geopolitical events and economic indicators such as consumer sentiment and the unemployment report are influencing market expectations. The episode also features a historical deep dive into the evolution of U.S. housing finance, covering key milestones that shaped today’s mortgage and capital markets. Key Points: * Mortgage rates and Treasury yields show modest movement amid ongoing inflation pressures * Labor market data and consumer sentiment remain key indicators for near-term rate direction * The U.S. housing finance system evolved through major milestones, from early land grants to modern securitization Chapters: * 00:00 – Market Overview and Rate Trends * 07:00 – Inflation, Sentiment, and Unemployment Outlook * 10:45 – History of U.S. Housing Finance Optimal Insights Team: * Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading Operations * James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager * Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager Production Team: * Executive Producer: Sara Holtz * Producer: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Fed Shifts Signal a New Era for Mortgage Markets | Optimal Insights | June 23, 2026

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. The team breaks down current mortgage market conditions, including rate stability, Treasury yield movement, and the economic signals shaping lender expectations. The conversation also covers key takeaways from the latest FOMC meeting under new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, including a more concise, data-driven communication style and continued emphasis on inflation control. The speakers discuss how this approach could affect market volatility, rate expectations, and the outlook for additional policy action. The episode closes with a reflection on Alan Greenspan’s legacy, including his leadership through major economic events and the influence of his communication style on the Federal Reserve’s approach today. KEY POINTS * Mortgage rates remain range-bound, with limited relief driven by elevated Treasury yields * The Federal Reserve signals a more hawkish, inflation-focused approach under new leadership * Upcoming economic data, including PCE and consumer sentiment, may drive near-term volatility CHAPTERS * 00:00 – Introduction and Market Overview * 02:29 – Fed Meeting Recap and Policy Shifts * 19:43 – Alan Greenspan Legacy and Closing Thoughts OPTIMAL INSIGHTS TEAM * Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading Operations * James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager * Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager PRODUCTION TEAM * Executive Producer: Sara Holtz * Producer: Matt Gilhooly & Alex Kreuter Disclaimer: Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.