On The Highway

In this episode, we unpack the latest economic signals, with signs that the labor market is cooling while national home price forecasts continue to move higher. We cover delayed jobs data from the government shutdown, a disappointing January private payrolls report after weak 2025 hiring, and broader indicators pointing to softer labor conditions, alongside continued signs of strength in today’s housing market.

In this episode of On the Highway, Scott Brixen breaks down the November 2025 Case-Shiller Home Price Index and explains why the headline year-over-year growth number is missing the real story. While the media is focused on modest annual gains, a deeper look shows that lower mortgage rates are driving renewed price momentum across much of the country.

In this episode, Shelly Williams walks through a week packed with market-moving headlines, including President Trump’s pick of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady at its first meeting of the year with two dissenting votes, and new home price data showing renewed national strength supported by buyer demand. She also breaks down the latest labor and inflation updates and what they may signal for interest rates and the housing market moving forward.

Tim Braheem has spent over 30 years coaching top producers through volatile markets by teaching them how to stay mentally clear, emotionally steady, and consistently effective. In this webinar, he’ll share the mindset frameworks elite originators are using in 2026 to perform under pressure.

In this episode of On the Highway, Luke Carrender shares how he found his way into the mortgage industry in 2017 and why the work continues to matter to him. Coming from a background in finance and bookkeeping, Luke talks about how helping people achieve homeownership gave his career real purpose and long-term direction.

Luke explains how he has built his business by focusing on relationships over transactions, staying consistently connected with past clients, and using daily market education to guide confident conversations around rates and timing. He also shares how showing up in person for agent partners, adding value before being asked, and staying service-first naturally led to sustained growth and President’s Club success.

Luke remains optimistic about the future of the mortgage industry and is energized by helping clients navigate one of the biggest moments of their lives.

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The Fed’s preferred inflation measure came in as expected, while winter weather and the holidays slowed momentum in signed housing contracts. Here’s a look at the key highlights.

• PCE Inflation Data Offers Encouraging Signs

• Pending Home Sales Slide

• Q3 GDP Surges to Fastest Pace Since 2023

• Claims Data Reflect Low Layoffs, Low Hiring and the Gig Economy

Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-26-2026-mortgage-market-news

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Inflation data aligned with expectations in December, while lower interest rates have helped lift home sales. Here’s a look at the key highlights.

• Consumer Inflation in Line with Forecasts

• Strongest Existing Home Sales in Nearly Three Years

• New Home Sales Remain Near Recent High

• Additional Economic Takeaways

Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-20-2026-mortgage-market-news

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The MBS Highway National Housing Index saw a solid rebound in January 2026, rising 7 points from December to 34. A year ago, the index stood at 36. Lower mortgage rates are beginning to support transaction activity and put modest upward pressure on prices.

Read the full index: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-2026-mbs-highway-housing-index

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The labor market continues to show signs of softening, while new home construction lost steam last fall. Here’s a look at the key highlights.

• Beneath the Surface of December’s Jobs Report

• Private Payrolls Rebound in December, but Miss Forecasts

• Broader Data Reinforces a Cooling Labor Market

• Housing Starts Fall to Pandemic-Era Lows

Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-12-2026-mortgage-market-news

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d

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Listen as Scott Brixen breaks down the latest Case-Shiller home price data and explains why it’s considered the gold standard for measuring home price appreciation. He touches on emerging shifts in the market, why the national headlines don’t tell the whole story, and what the latest trends could signal as we head into 2026.

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d

Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast