Latest news
2nd January, 26
Credit Unions and Realtors; HECM, FHA, VA, and USDA Product News; Home Builder Pessimism
Credit Union and Real Estate Agent Relationship A November webinar featuring Telhio Credit Union Loan Officer Allie Hager and Realtor Kelly Hamilton of Realty Forward is still getting attention from credit unions focused on strengthening realtor relationships. Moderated by LenderLogix CEO Patrick O’Brien, the discussion explored how accessibility, communication, and modern technology are helping credit unions compete more effectively in today’s purchase-driven market. The full replay is available on demand and remains a worthwhile watch for teams planning their 2026 strategy. Watch the
Credit Unions and Realtors; HECM, FHA, VA, and USDA Product News; Home Builder Pessimism
Credit Union and Real Estate Agent Relationship A November webinar featuring Telhio Credit Union Loan Officer Allie Hager and Realtor Kelly Hamilton of Realty Forward is still getting attention from credit unions focused on strengthening realtor relationships. Moderated by LenderLogix CEO Patrick O’Brien, the discussion explored how accessibility, communication, and modern technology are helping credit unions compete more effectively in today’s purchase-driven market. The full replay is available on demand and remains a worthwhile watch for teams planning their 2026 strategy. Watch the
2nd January, 26
Monitoring For Misbehavior
Friday is merely a day to be watched in case it misbehaves. The econ calendar is essentially empty (just S&P manufacturing PMI), overnight volatility was minimal, and bonds are fairly close to unchanged in the first few hours. The sort of serious trading that sends bigger picture signals won't arrive until next week. As such, even if today's trading misbehaves (e.g. 10yr breaking above 4.20%), it wouldn't be as alarming as next week holding above 4.20
Monitoring For Misbehavior
Friday is merely a day to be watched in case it misbehaves. The econ calendar is essentially empty (just S&P manufacturing PMI), overnight volatility was minimal, and bonds are fairly close to unchanged in the first few hours. The sort of serious trading that sends bigger picture signals won't arrive until next week. As such, even if today's trading misbehaves (e.g. 10yr breaking above 4.20%), it wouldn't be as alarming as next week holding above 4.20
31st December, 25
Token Year-End Volatility
Token Year-End Volatility Wednesday's shortened session offered more excitement than the first two days of the week. There was a modicum of legitimate data-driven selling this morning in response to the jobless claims data. Bonds had trudged most of the way back toward unchanged levels by 1pm ET, but volatility picked up again at that point. While 2pm is the official early close, 1pm is the cut-off for many of the largest traders to close out their year-end positions. This makes for a big spike in volume at that time, and it can also result in a quick jolt to prices/yields. As far as
Token Year-End Volatility
Token Year-End Volatility Wednesday's shortened session offered more excitement than the first two days of the week. There was a modicum of legitimate data-driven selling this morning in response to the jobless claims data. Bonds had trudged most of the way back toward unchanged levels by 1pm ET, but volatility picked up again at that point. While 2pm is the official early close, 1pm is the cut-off for many of the largest traders to close out their year-end positions. This makes for a big spike in volume at that time, and it can also result in a quick jolt to prices/yields. As far as
31st December, 25
Mortgage Rates Staying Steady to Close Out 2025
Although Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey (released today) suggested the lowest rates since October 2024, our daily numbers offer a bit more nuance. To be sure, October 28th and September 16th both saw distinctly lower rates this year. Today's rates are right in line with yesterday's as well as last Friday's. In other words, this week is flat compared to Friday although the average rate is lower so far. The bond market closes early today and will be fully closed tomorrow. Bonds reopen on Friday and then will be fully open for a normal week of trading next week. [
Mortgage Rates Staying Steady to Close Out 2025
Although Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey (released today) suggested the lowest rates since October 2024, our daily numbers offer a bit more nuance. To be sure, October 28th and September 16th both saw distinctly lower rates this year. Today's rates are right in line with yesterday's as well as last Friday's. In other words, this week is flat compared to Friday although the average rate is lower so far. The bond market closes early today and will be fully closed tomorrow. Bonds reopen on Friday and then will be fully open for a normal week of trading next week. [
31st December, 25
Pricing Products; Non-Agency Changes; NAMB Interview on the Broker Biz; Happy New Year
Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software “At Optimal Blue, we’d like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the incredible clients and partners who made this year unforgettable. Your trust and collaboration fuel our mission to deliver solutions that tackle the real-world challenges mortgage lenders face every day. As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep innovating and driving success together. And speaking of what’s next, don’t miss Optimal Blue Summit 2026 this February in Scottsdale! It’s your chance to connect, learn, and preview a slate of new innovations from Optimal
Pricing Products; Non-Agency Changes; NAMB Interview on the Broker Biz; Happy New Year
Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software “At Optimal Blue, we’d like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the incredible clients and partners who made this year unforgettable. Your trust and collaboration fuel our mission to deliver solutions that tackle the real-world challenges mortgage lenders face every day. As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep innovating and driving success together. And speaking of what’s next, don’t miss Optimal Blue Summit 2026 this February in Scottsdale! It’s your chance to connect, learn, and preview a slate of new innovations from Optimal
31st December, 25
A Bit of Actual Data-Driven Selling Thanks to Jobless Claims and Wonky Seasonal Adjustments
Human traders may be extremely underrepresented on today's half-day trading session, but the robots/algos know what to do with a sub-200k Jobless Claims print. Robots are also not smart enough to know that the sub-200k print is likely distorted
A Bit of Actual Data-Driven Selling Thanks to Jobless Claims and Wonky Seasonal Adjustments
Human traders may be extremely underrepresented on today's half-day trading session, but the robots/algos know what to do with a sub-200k Jobless Claims print. Robots are also not smart enough to know that the sub-200k print is likely distorted
30th December, 25
Modest Recovery From Morning Weakness
Modest Recovery From Morning Weakness Bonds were slightly weaker this morning in a move that looked like it might have been significant when compared to yesterday's narrow range. But in a just-barely-wider context, today's volatility was just as inconsequential as almost any of the days in December so far. With that, we'll continue to count down to next week's bigger-ticket data and more robust trader participation. Econ Data / Events Case Shiller Home Prices-20 y/y (Oct) 1.3% vs 1.1% f'cast, 1.4% prev CaseShiller 20 mm nsa (Oct) -0.3% vs -- f'cast, -0.5% prev FHFA Home Price
Modest Recovery From Morning Weakness
Modest Recovery From Morning Weakness Bonds were slightly weaker this morning in a move that looked like it might have been significant when compared to yesterday's narrow range. But in a just-barely-wider context, today's volatility was just as inconsequential as almost any of the days in December so far. With that, we'll continue to count down to next week's bigger-ticket data and more robust trader participation. Econ Data / Events Case Shiller Home Prices-20 y/y (Oct) 1.3% vs 1.1% f'cast, 1.4% prev CaseShiller 20 mm nsa (Oct) -0.3% vs -- f'cast, -0.5% prev FHFA Home Price
30th December, 25
Mortgage Rates Microscopically Higher
Mortgage rates continue operating in an excruciatingly narrow range near their lowest levels of the past few years. Yesterday was the 6th best day of 2025. Today is tied for 7th place after rates moved 0.01% higher on average. While the underlying bond market is fully open today, it's a slow time of year in terms of volume and volatility. Bigger movement becomes more likely by the end of next week thanks to the return of important economic reports and stronger trader participation after holiday absences.
Mortgage Rates Microscopically Higher
Mortgage rates continue operating in an excruciatingly narrow range near their lowest levels of the past few years. Yesterday was the 6th best day of 2025. Today is tied for 7th place after rates moved 0.01% higher on average. While the underlying bond market is fully open today, it's a slow time of year in terms of volume and volatility. Bigger movement becomes more likely by the end of next week thanks to the return of important economic reports and stronger trader participation after holiday absences.
30th December, 25
Capital Markets Tools; Mortgages with Millennials Today; LOs and 2025 Trends
Loan originators are acutely aware of demographics (“know your borrower,” right?). Naming generations is relatively recent, and then-People Magazine Editor Landon Y. Jones coined the term Baby Boomer. (He died last year.) The oldest Baby Boomers turn 80 in 2026. By the end of this decade, all baby boomers will be 65 and older, and the number of people 80 and over will double in 20 years. Do you have loan products for them? Without any immigration, the U.S. population will start shrinking in five years. VP JD Vance is among those pushing for an increase in fertility. Vance has suggested
Capital Markets Tools; Mortgages with Millennials Today; LOs and 2025 Trends
Loan originators are acutely aware of demographics (“know your borrower,” right?). Naming generations is relatively recent, and then-People Magazine Editor Landon Y. Jones coined the term Baby Boomer. (He died last year.) The oldest Baby Boomers turn 80 in 2026. By the end of this decade, all baby boomers will be 65 and older, and the number of people 80 and over will double in 20 years. Do you have loan products for them? Without any immigration, the U.S. population will start shrinking in five years. VP JD Vance is among those pushing for an increase in fertility. Vance has suggested
30th December, 25
Meaningless Year-End Volatility
If we turn up the magnification on our market-watching microscopes, it may seem like something important happened in the bond market overnight. 10yr yields were up by more than 3bps at one point and MBS fell just over an eighth of a point. These may seem like big swings relative to yesterday's narrow range, but this is actually a rather tame expression of year-end volatility. To understand a bit more about month/quarter/year-end trading motivations, check out our primer on the topic. 4 trading days ago, 10yr yields hit the top of the prevailing range at 4.20. Yesterday, they were close
Meaningless Year-End Volatility
If we turn up the magnification on our market-watching microscopes, it may seem like something important happened in the bond market overnight. 10yr yields were up by more than 3bps at one point and MBS fell just over an eighth of a point. These may seem like big swings relative to yesterday's narrow range, but this is actually a rather tame expression of year-end volatility. To understand a bit more about month/quarter/year-end trading motivations, check out our primer on the topic. 4 trading days ago, 10yr yields hit the top of the prevailing range at 4.20. Yesterday, they were close