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Navigating the Non-QM Landscape | Market Updates | July 28, 2025
Description
In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s lending environment. Mike breaks down the nuances of non-QM lending, including borrower profiles, pricing challenges, and hedging strategies, while offering insights into how Optimal Blue is helping lenders navigate this complex market.
Key Topics:
- Market update: Fed meeting, trade developments, and labor data
- What is a non-QM loan? Definitions and borrower types
- DSCR and bank statement loans explained
- Pricing and hedging challenges in the absence of a TBA market
- The future of non-QM: investor appetite, risk, and opportunity
🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.
Optimal Insights Team:
- Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal Blue
- Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
- Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Optimal Blue
Special Guest:
- Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy, 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:
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