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Optimal Blue Continues AI Innovation Leadership with Expanded Access to Virtual Economist and Launch of AI Labs

On Monday, Optimal Blue announced general availability of Virtual Economist, the mortgage industry's first AI/ML-powered forecasting tool, while simultaneously launching Optimal Blue AI Labs to accelerate AI-driven innovation.
Following a beta reveal at the February 2026 Optimal Blue Summit, the company leveraged control of more than 35% of nationwide mortgage locks and over 20 years of expertise to develop the tool.
Chief Product Officer Erin Wester stated Virtual Economist combines "explainable AI-powered forecasting with conversational intelligence," while CEO Joe Tyrrell said the company extends its lead "beyond the 12 AI products that we have already deployed, at no cost."
All Optimal Blue PPE Engine and CompassEdge clients gain access at no added cost as July 2026 data showed mortgage activity softening, with total rate-lock volume declining 11% month-over-month but remaining 5% above July 2025.
Director of AI Labs Kevin Foley leads the initiative introducing ontological AI that leapfrogs Model Context Protocol across pricing, hedging, trading, and capital markets analytics, with early bird registration for the 2027 Optimal Blue Summit in Scottsdale available through October 31.

Insights by Ground AI

18 Articles

Rutland Herald

+9 Reposted by 9 other sources

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Optimal Blue report: Rising rates cool July mortgage activity, but demand remains above year-ago levels

July Market Advantage report debuts 12-month rate and spread forecasts powered by Virtual Economist, plus three new capital markets metrics

2 days ago

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Santa Maria Times

+7 Reposted by 7 other sources

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Optimal Blue Continues AI Innovation Leadership with Expanded Access to Virtual Economist and Launch of AI Labs

Continues AI investments and announces general availability of the mortgage industry's first AI/ML-powered forecasting tool to help lenders navigate a dynamic market

3 days ago·Calhoun, United States

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