Episode
Labor Trends, Inflation Watch & March Market Advantage Preview | April 7, 2026
- Published
- Apr 7, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1564
- Processing state
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- https://optimal-insights.captivate.fm/episode/episode-78
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Summary
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 conditions Labor and inflation: payrolls, revisions, and what to watch in PCE and CPI March Market Advantage preview: lock activity, product mix shifts, and secondary trends Subscribe to receive the complimentary Market Advantage report each month: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage Optimal Insights Team: Jim Glennon, SVP, Hedging and Trading Operations Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager James Cahill, MSF/MSR Account Manager Mike Vough, SVP, Corporate Strategy Brennan O’Connell, Director of Data Solutions Production Team: Executive Producer: Sara Holtz Producer: Matt Gilhooly Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, no…