Foggy Data, Clear Consequences | Market Updates | August 4, 2025

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

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon leads a deep dive into recent economic developments. The team analyzes the fallout from a disappointing jobs report, revised employment data, and implications for Federal Reserve policy. They explore the growing use of imputed data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the potential impact of AI on white-collar employment, and discuss thoughts on the political ramifications of leadership changes at the BLS.

Key topics include:

• The Fed’s rate cut outlook and the resignation of board member
• Revisions to job growth numbers and their implications
• The rise of imputed data and its effect on economic clarity
• AI’s role in reshaping the labor market, especially for new graduates
• Inflation trends and the Fed’s balancing act between employment and price stability
• Tariff impacts on GDP and business behavior

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

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• James Cahill, MSR Account Manager, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Røise

Commentary 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:

AI at Optimal Blue – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line

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AI at Optimal Blue - OI

Optimal Blue Summit 2026 | February 23-25 | Scottsdale, Arizona

In case you missed it – Optimal Blue has announced the dates for its 2026 Summit! Join us February 23 – 25 at Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a client-exclusive event packed with strategic insight and innovation. Attendees will gain early access to Optimal Blue’s latest generative AI and automation tools, dive into expert-led sessions on pricing, compliance and more, and experience hands-on demos of new capabilities. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with capital markets pros, integration partners, and mortgage insiders—all while gaining actionable strategies to maximize profitability and sharpen your competitive edge. The Optimal Blue Summit: where proven mortgage expertise meets modern innovation to shape what's next. Early bird registration is now open at Summit.OptimalBlue.com – space is limited, so register today! News release: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-to-host-its-2026-summit-february-23-25-in-scottsdale Registration: Summit.OptimalBlue.com

Summit - OI