We find ourselves in the 3rd quarter of 2026. The stock market has made the headlines, but between a) the reduction in the number of publicly held companies, and b) the weight given to AI-related stocks, it is worth reminding everyone that the stock market is not the economy. Economies are complex, as are countries. Did you know that more Europeans die each year from summer heat than Americans die from gun violence? Over 1,000 recently in France; 1,500 deaths in Western Europe are being attributed to the climate. Returning to this country, there are six state capitals West of Los Angeles. (You don’t need my help in naming them.) There is plenty to like about this country: Building materials giant Saint-Gobain continues to expand its U.S. footprint and has invested nearly $7 billion in North America since 2021, deploying prefab systems that can reduce build times 30-50 percent while avoiding tariff exposure. Where there’s a will there’s a way. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s ‘casts are sponsored by Experian. From lenders and landlords to employers and consumers, Experian helps connect the housing ecosystem with the data and insights needed to make faster, confident decisions. Lead a smarter housing journey with Experian. Today’s has an interview with PennyMac’s Isaac Boltansky on key federal policy developments shaping the housing market and broader U.S. economy.) Broker and Lender Software, Products, and Services What if your next conventional loan closed faster and saved your borrower up to $200? With Fetch & Close, eligible conventional loans move through employment and income validation automatically, with no changes to your process. Simply submit your loan as usual. If it qualifies, Fetch & Close reduces manual touchpoints, minimizes opportunities for error, and helps accelerate the path to closing. Eligible borrowers can also receive waived VOE/I fees, saving up to $200. Less work for you. Faster closings for your borrowers. Better results for everyone. Ready to close smarter? Connect with your Kind Account Executive today to learn more! Not an approved broker? Join the Kind movement and discover why more brokers are choosing Kind. Not all loans are eligible. Eligibility is based on LP AUS findings.