On this week’s The Big Picture, Chris Bennett, founder of Vice Capital Markets, returns to the show to break down the forces driving today’s capital markets and what they mean for mortgage lenders. With more than 30 years of experience and a front-row seat to rate volatility, Chris offers a clear, data-driven perspective on how global events, inflation pressures, and Fed policy are shaping interest rates and secondary market dynamics.

We dig into the ripple effects of recent oil shocks, the evolving conversation around credit scoring and FHFA policy, and what leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for the path forward. The conversation also explores shifts in the servicing market, why retention strategies are becoming more critical, and how lenders should be thinking about capital markets execution in an unpredictable environment. It’s a sharp, practical discussion packed with insights for navigating today’s volatility.