Group 1: AI and Technology in Mortgage Industry - The MAXEX platform offers aggressive Jumbo pricing, with rates 50-100 basis points better than many originators currently have access to, aiming to enhance competitiveness for loan officers in 2026 [1] - LenderLogix published an eGuide titled "The Mortgage Lender's Guide to Evaluating AI Powered POS Solutions," which provides a checklist for lenders to assess AI POS options and identify red flags during vendor reviews [1] Group 2: Market Trends and Economic Indicators - The U.S. economy grew at a robust annualized rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter, the fastest pace in two years, up from 3.8 percent previously, exceeding most survey forecasts [10] - Consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive month in December, marking the longest decline since 2008, amid ongoing concerns over inflation and tariffs [11] - Mortgage applications decreased by 5.0 percent for the week ending December 19, with declines in both purchase and refinance activity, despite lower mortgage rates [12] Group 3: Underwriting and Operating Models - Underwriting is increasingly recognized as a function that requires flexibility, education, and empathy, especially as housing types diversify and AI influences workflows [3] - Successful mortgage executives are advised to focus on resilient operating models rather than making directional bets on interest rates, emphasizing the importance of structure and discipline in uncertain markets [4] Group 4: Conventional Conforming News - Large investors and wholesale buyers are still adhering to agency guidelines, despite facing market share pressure from the non-QM and non-Agency sectors [5] - The difference between "Agency" loans and "non-Agency" loans includes g-fee hits collected by the FHFA through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which contribute to Agency profits [6]