Julian Hebron
Hijacked minds are getting worse in the AI era and most don’t even realize it. This essay breaks it down.
The Basis Point Live Blog from Optimal Blue Summit 2026 covers the current state of mortgage markets and fintech. Optimal Blue powers rate pricing for 35% of the mortgage industry's 2026 projected fundings of $2.2 trillion.
Treasury chief Bessent and Fed chair nominee Warsh say AI is reason to cut rates. Former NY Fed chief Dudley disagrees for 5 reasons.

With mortgage rates below 6% and median home prices $397k to $414k, you can buy a home with 5% down if you make $110k to $114k.
A scary but realistic assessment of how fast AI is replacing jobs, what that means for high school and college kids, and how to stay as relevant as you can
MrBeast buying Step, a teen banking app with savings accounts and debit cards. It’s not certain if Step will rebrand as MrBeast, and it’s not a bank. The banking services are via a partnership with FDIC-member Evolve Bank & Trust.
It's easy to blame affordability struggles on DoorDash private-taxiing your burrito to you. But the stats show eating at home is up, especially for young people. Don't lose homebuying hope!
Senator Tillis reiterates opposition of Trump Fed chair pick Warsh until DOJ's criminal allegations against Powell are resolved
59% of consumer spending is by top 20% of earners (near record high), and 41% is by bottom 80% (record low) — per Moody’s analysis of Fed data
The modern world is built in Detroit so maybe that’s where the Davos World Economic Forum will relocate. So says Larry Fink.
Battle for Fed independence escalates as DOJ goes after Fed, and Powell holds ground
CNBC creative lead Robert Poulton explains why new logo drops peacock design and aligns with on-air market graphics
Lisa Cook AG letter says: “There is no fraud, no intent to deceive, nothing whatsoever criminal or remotely a basis to allege mortgage fraud”
Here's a detailed table from Reuters about every U.S. economic data release coming up in October, and which ones will go vs. which ones will be delayed by government shutdown
Jobs & inflation data releases would pause in a government shutdown, which makes Fed and Wall Street market outlook jobs more difficult. Here’s a rundown.

