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Industry-first AI/ML-powered forecasting tool headlines extensive lineup of mortgage capital markets innovations unveiled at 2026 Optimal Blue Summit

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced Virtual Economist, the first on-demand forecasting tool for mortgage capital markets leaders powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), as the centerpiece of nine platform advancements unveiled at the company’s 2026 Summit. Together, the innovations further unify the capital markets profitability experience by connecting forecasting, pricing, hedging, competitive benchmarking and workflow execution within a single, end-to-end platform.

Optimal Blue
Image caption: Optimal Blue.

“The future of mortgage capital markets belongs to platforms that don’t just respond to volatility, but anticipate it,” said Joe Tyrrell, CEO at Optimal Blue. “Optimal Blue is building and continuously innovating an intelligent, connected and comprehensive ecosystem that gives lenders clarity and confidence from origination to secondary marketing, and back again. The innovations announced at our 2026 Optimal Blue Summit reflect our long-term commitment to redefining how the industry plans, prices and performs in any market environment.”

“Virtual Economist was built to address a real challenge our lender clients face – the disconnect between economic insight and day-to-day execution,” said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. “By uniting public economic indicators with Optimal Blue’s proprietary lock volume data and applying AI/ML-driven forecasting, teams can test assumptions and prepare immediately through conversational and visual scenario modeling. That same data-driven approach extends across our 2026 innovations, creating a tighter feedback loop among pricing, margin management and hedge analytics so decisions are informed by real-time insight and reflected consistently across the platform.”

The 2026 Summit advancements include:

VIRTUAL ECONOMIST

In a market where profitability planning typically depends on static, macro forecasts and manual what-if exercises, Virtual Economist gives lenders on-demand predictions without the lag, labor or subjectivity of traditional approaches. The mortgage industry’s first and only AI/ML-powered forecasting tool, it combines public economic data with Optimal Blue’s lock volume data into proprietary machine learning models to deliver real-time rate and volume predictions and instant scenario analysis for strategic planning. Users can choose their preferred economist avatar and engage conversationally through voice or text, with forecasts presented visually to enhance clarity and decision-making.

PROFITABILITY CENTER

Profitability Center introduces a unified dashboard across Optimal Blue products, enabling faster navigation while surfacing cross-product market, production and profitability insights that inform decision-making before users move into deeper workflows. This central landing experience includes access to an economic calendar and predictive insights to anticipate market movement and plan hedging or pricing actions accordingly.

COMPETITIVE DATA LICENSE PLUS

Competitive Data License Plus expands Optimal Blue’s benchmarking capabilities by adding anonymized hedging and trading data to its existing lock and pricing dataset. By connecting front-end pricing behavior with back-end loan sale outcomes updated daily, it delivers deeper visibility into pull-through performance, margin from lock to sale, investor turn times and best-efforts versus mandatory execution spreads. The enhanced dataset enables lenders to model competitive positioning and execution strategy with greater precision across the capital markets life cycle.

AGENCY DIRECT (for CompassEdge)

Agency Direct in CompassEdge modernizes retained execution workflows for institutions delivering loans to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank system. By replacing manual spreadsheet-based tracking with a centralized environment for loan imports, coverage modeling and commitment management in CompassEdge, the solution strengthens executive visibility while reducing operational risk.

RATESHEET PRICING INSIGHTS (for CompassEdge)

Ratesheet Pricing Insights connects pricing from the Optimal Blue PPE with CompassEdge margin management, reducing the lag and manual processes that can separate pricing decisions from published rates. By syncing margin updates directly between systems and embedding market and competitive context into the workflow, it surfaces competitive insights before ratesheets are published and helps ensure rates reflect current conditions while improving margin discipline.

HEDGE COST IN THE PPE (for the Optimal Blue PPE)

Hedge Cost in the PPE embeds CompassEdge hedge analytics directly within the Optimal Blue PPE, giving lenders immediate visibility into the margin impact of extensions, renegotiations and price concessions. By surfacing hedge coupon, mark-to-market exposure and effective margin at the point of decision, it strengthens alignment between origination and secondary teams while protecting execution performance at the transaction level.

AI RULES ASSISTANT (for the Optimal Blue PPE)

AI Rules Assistant enhances Rules Optimizer, a feature within the Optimal Blue PPE that manages pricing and eligibility rules across investor relationships, by enabling administrators to “speak policy, ship rules” – i.e., input natural language and allow AI automation to generate the new rule. It identifies similar configurations and automatically builds required dependencies for review, accelerating rule creation while strengthening governance and pricing control.

ENHANCED ADMIN EXPERIENCE (for the Optimal Blue PPE and CompassEdge)

Enhanced admin experiences in both the Optimal Blue PPE and CompassEdge hedging and trading platform arm administrators with faster, more intuitive ways to configure pricing and manage investors.

In the Optimal Blue PPE, a redesigned configuration experience consolidates key tools into a straightforward, user-friendly workspace, with embedded entity selection and global Release to Production access from any screen. By reducing clicks and improving visibility across pricing configurations, it accelerates setup and governance workflows for administrators.

In CompassEdge, new administrative configuration for investor management gives users more straightforward visibility into the configuration for valuing their loan pipeline. Users can self-manage investors, execution types and more in a single, accessible place.

LOANSIFTER–COMERGENCE CONNECTION

A new connection between Optimal Blue’s Loansifter PPE for mortgage brokers and its Comergence counterparty oversight solution links promotional pricing visibility with counterparty engagement data, giving investors measurable insight into broker interaction and marketing effectiveness. By connecting broker activity with onboarding and approval workflows, the integration enables investors to capture qualified leads and accelerate TPO network growth.

Several of the announced innovations are live today, with others entering beta or phased rollout throughout 2026.

Optimal Blue’s annual Summit brings together lenders, investors and industry leaders to explore the strategies and technologies shaping the future of mortgage capital markets.

ABOUT OPTIMAL BLUE

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data, and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing transparency and accuracy to pipeline risk management and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data, and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit OptimalBlue.com.

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News Source: Optimal Blue

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/industry-first-ai-ml-powered-forecasting-tool-headlines-extensive-lineup-of-mortgage-capital-markets-innovations-unveiled-at-2026-optimal-blue-summit/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/industry-first-ai-ml-powered-forecasting-tool-headlines-extensive-lineup-of-mortgage-capital-markets-innovations-unveiled-at-2026-optimal-blue-summit/

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Floify launches Dynamic Apps 2.0, enabling lenders to create fully customizable loan applications

   

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Street Media Group Unveils New Dual-Read Digital Billboard on Atlantic City Expressway in Southern Philadelphia DMA

   

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Street Media Group Unveils New Dual-Read Digital Billboard on Atlantic City Expressway in Southern Philadelphia DMA

TURNERSVILLE, N.J., March 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Street Media Group, a leading out-of-home advertising provider, proudly announces the launch of its newest high-impact digital billboard in one of the country’s top five DMAs. Strategically positioned along the Atlantic City Expressway just 0.25 miles south of the Black Horse Pike (NJ-42) off-ramp, this 14’x48’ dual-read digital display delivers premium visibility to commuters traveling between Philadelphia and Atlantic City.

NJ-200DR, Street Media Group’s new dual-read digital billboard capturing heavy traffic along multiple roadways in the Southern Philadelphia DMA.
Image caption: NJ-200DR, Street Media Group’s new dual-read digital billboard capturing heavy traffic along multiple roadways in the Southern Philadelphia DMA.

The newly acquired unit (NJ-200DR) captures traffic from both the Atlantic City Expressway and NJ-42 / Black Horse Pike, offering advertisers powerful exposure to two major traffic flows. Motorists traveling westbound on the Atlantic City Expressway encounter the billboard directly to their right, while drivers on NJ-42 / NJ-168 experience a cross-read view to their left.

This exceptional location sees an impressive daily average of 100,000 vehicles passing by, with peak commuter congestion often slowing traffic to a near standstill—providing extended viewing time and enhanced brand exposure.

Digital Billboard Highlights:

  • Size: 14’x48’ Digital Face
  • Weekly Impressions (18+): 1,085,789 (as of January 2026)
  • Location: Atlantic City Expressway W/S, 0.25 miles south of Black Horse Pike (NJ-42) Off Ramp
  • Latitude/Longitude: 39.766569, -75.047377

In addition to the digital face, the structure also features a 14’x48’ static face capturing traffic along the Atlantic City Expressway, which carries a daily average traffic count exceeding 50,000 vehicles. This dual-format opportunity provides brands with the flexibility to combine dynamic messaging with long-term static visibility in one of New Jersey’s busiest commuter corridors.

“This location offers advertisers a rare opportunity to dominate two heavily traveled roadways within the Philadelphia DMA. We’re excited to grow our footprint and brand in this market.” said Troy Hammond, Chief Operating Officer at Street Media Group. “With over one million weekly impressions among adults 18+ and extended dwell time during rush hour, this unit delivers both scale and impact.”

Adding this billboard to their hand-picked portfolio strengthens Street Media Group’s growing footprint in key Northeast markets and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering premium, high-visibility out-of-home advertising solutions.

About Street Media Group

Street Media Group is an established leader in the out-of-home advertising industry, known for its strategically located inventory and commitment to impeccable service. The company specializes in providing top-of-mind awareness solutions through premium billboard locations and innovative digital advertising options.

Learn more about the company at: https://streetmediagroup.com/.

Learn more about this new billboard: https://streetmediagroup.com/nj-200dr/

For more information about advertising opportunities, please contact sales@streetmediagroup.com.

News Source: Street Media Group

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/street-media-group-unveils-new-dual-read-digital-billboard-on-atlantic-city-expressway-in-southern-philadelphia-dma/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/street-media-group-unveils-new-dual-read-digital-billboard-on-atlantic-city-expressway-in-southern-philadelphia-dma/

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Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand rebounds as mortgage market finds balance

   

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Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand rebounds as mortgage market finds balance

PLANO, Texas, March 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its February 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing a meaningful improvement in lock activity as lower mortgage rates helped bring purchase borrowers back into the market. Total rate-lock volume rose 9% month over month (MoM) and was nearly 40% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase lock volume increased more than 14% from January and 5% compared with February 2025, driving refinance share down to 41% of locks from 44% in January. Rate-and-term and cash-out refinance activity edged modestly higher from January but remained sharply stronger YoY.

Optimal Blue’s February 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report
Image caption: Optimal Blue’s February 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

Mortgage rates declined across all major products in February. The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures, finished the month at 5.90%, down 17 basis points (bps) from January. Jumbo and VA rates each declined 11 bps during the month, while FHA rates fell 13 bps. The 10-year Treasury yield closed the month at 3.97%, down nearly 30 bps, and the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the OBMMI 30-year rate widened to 193 bps as the mortgage rally lagged the broader bond market.

“February’s data shows the market settling into a healthier balance between purchase and refinance activity as rates moved lower,” said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “Purchase demand is back after a slow start to the year, but refinance share is still running at 41%, which is higher than anything we saw between early 2022 and late last year.”

Secondary market data in February pointed to shifting execution dynamics as pricing spreads widened and delivery strategies evolved. Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads widened for conventional products while hedged loan sales moved toward the agency cash window. At the same time, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) securitization declined and mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values increased despite falling benchmark rates.

“In an environment like this, lenders are paying close attention to how they execute and manage risk,” said Vough. “We’re seeing more active positioning across delivery channels and servicing assets as lenders balance near-term pricing with longer-term portfolio value.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Volume trends and market composition

  • Refinance activity remains strong: Refinances accounted for 41% of total lock volume in February, down from 44% in January, as purchase demand rebounded. Rate-and-term refinance locks increased 3% MoM and 280% YoY, while cash-out refinance volume rose 1% MoM and 34% YoY.
  • Purchase demand rebounds: Purchase lock volume rose 14% MoM and 5% YoY, marking a meaningful improvement from January’s slower start to the year and helping restore a more balanced mix between purchase and refinance activity.
  • Non-conforming share expands: Conforming loans represented 53% of total lock volume in February, down 28 bps MoM but up 62 bps YoY. Non-conforming share increased to 16%, rising 91 bps MoM and 90 bps YoY. FHA loans accounted for 17% of locks, VA loans for 13% and USDA loans for 1%.
  • ARM utilization rises: Adjustable-rate mortgages comprised 10% of total lock volume in February, up 111 bps MoM and 337 bps YoY from 6.9% last year.

Rates and pricing

  • Rates move lower: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate declined 17 bps to 5.90%. Jumbo and VA rates each fell 11 bps, while FHA rates declined 13 bps. The 10-year Treasury yield declined nearly 30 bps to 3.97%, while the mortgage-to-Treasury spread widened to 193 bps.
  • MSR values increase: Mortgage servicing rights for conforming 30-year loans rose 2 bps to 1.18%, representing a 4.74 multiple, even as benchmark mortgage rates declined during the month.
  • Spreads adjust across products: Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads widened for conventional products, with the conforming 30-year spread increasing 3 bps and the conventional 15-year spread rising 1 bp. The government 30-year spread decreased 5 bps.
  • Loan pricing mix shifts slightly: The share of loans sold at the highest price tier declined 100 bps to 78%, while second-tier executions increased 100 bps to 13%.

Channel and execution

  • Securitization share pulls back: Agency MBS securitizations accounted for 42% of hedged executions in February, down from 47% in January.
  • Cash window share jumps: Hedged loan sales to the agency cash window rose 500 bps MoM to 29%, the largest share of cash window deliveries since February 2025.

Product mix and borrower profiles

  • Credit profiles diverge: Purchase FICO scores averaged 734 in February, down 1 point MoM and 3 points YoY. Refinance credit profiles strengthened, with cash-out scores averaging 705 (up 1 point MoM and 10 points YoY) and rate-and-term scores averaging 749 (up 2 points MoM and 18 points YoY).
  • Loan amounts climb: The national average loan amount increased from $400,667 in January to $404,586 in February, marking the first time the average has remained above $400,000 for consecutive months. The national average loan-to-value ratio was 80.32%. Loan amounts ranged from $875,787 in the San Francisco Bay area to $319,743 in San Antonio, with regional LTVs spanning from 68.45% in the Bay area to 89.38% in San Antonio.

To view the full February 2026 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.

Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Leslie Colley to be added to the media list.

About the Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue’s hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue’s direct-source data accurately reflect the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue’s website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit OptimalBlue.com.

MULTIMEDIA

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0310-s2p-opblufeb26mk-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s February 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

News Source: Optimal Blue

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-rebounds-as-mortgage-market-finds-balance/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-rebounds-as-mortgage-market-finds-balance/

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