“Nothing refreshes my memory about what I need at the grocery store like coming home from the grocery store.” Remember adjustable-rate mortgages? Here at the California MBA’s Western Secondary, talk in the hallways is about memories of how, in the past, just because the Fed changes short-term rates doesn’t mean long-term rates move. Put another way, short-term rates impacting adjustable-rate mortgages may improve while 30-year mortgage rates barely budge. It will be one of the topics in today’s episode of Capital Markets Wrap at 3PM ET. The panel delves into the increase in ARM volume, anticipated IPOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and discusses how upcoming changes at the Federal Reserve could shape future policy. They’ll also highlight the significance of the September Fed meeting and share takeaways from the Western Secondary conference. Yes, Bill Ackman, who controls a large block of Freddie & Fannie stock and who has the President’s ear, not only wants another issuance of stock but also to merge F&F. Will borrowers really be helped? Our business continues to watch what could be the likely resolution that will mark the final and most lucrative chapter of the 2008 financial crisis: a successful recapitalization and return to private ownership of Fannie Mae, to the hoped-for benefit of taxpayers, homeowners, and shareholders alike. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by ICE. By seamlessly integrating best-in-class solutions, ICE optimizes every stage of the loan life cycle, setting the standard for innovation, artificial intelligence, efficiency, and scalability, and defining the future of homeownership. Today’s has interview with ICE’s Matt Dowd on the borrower decision-making process and strategies for guiding them from lead generation to closing, including how balancing automation with human touchpoints creates a seamless, trust-building experience.)