Reflections on 2024: Economic Trends and Industry Impact | Dec. 16, 2024

Optimal Insights - Real-Time Data and Capital Markets Insights - Optimal Blue

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. This week, our experts reflect on the pivotal events and trends of 2024, providing a comprehensive year-in-review that touches on both industry-specific developments and broader global occurrences.

Notably, they discuss the persistent high interest rates and their implications for profitability in the financial markets, as well as the anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and their potential impacts on the economy. The conversation highlights significant moments in the mortgage industry, including the settlement of the National Association of Realtors lawsuit, which has begun to reshape realtor compensation. As they navigate through various themes – from economic indicators to geopolitical events – Jim, Jeff, and Alex also preview exciting upcoming events, including the Optimal Blue Summit. This episode not only captures the essence of the past year but also sets the stage for what lies ahead in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Rates remain stubbornly flat around 6.7%.
• The upcoming Fed announcement is crucial, with expectations of a 25 basis point rate cut.
• Inflation data continues to show stubbornness, with CPI at 2.7% and core at 3.3%.
• The year 2024 was characterized by slower movements in rates and volume than anticipated.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape. #OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitability

Hosts:

• Jim Glennon, VP of Hedging & Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, VP of Product Management – Hedging and Trading, Optimal Blue

Guests:

• Alex Hebner

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producer: Matt Gilhooly

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

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Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, Originations

Links referenced in this episode:

• summit.optimalblue.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Optimal Blue
• Fannie Mae
• Freddie Mac
• NAR
• HUD
• FHFA
• Nvidia

Mentioned in this episode:

Be part of the event that will shape mortgage innovation and help to maximize lenders’ profitability. Don’t miss the inaugural Optimal Blue Summit from February 3–5, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Secure your spot and register today – summit.optimalblue.com