War in the Middle East made oil prices go up, higher oil prices hurt world economies and stock markets because prices and inflation go up, and higher inflation leads to higher interest rates. At least, that’s the way it usually works, as does the opposite. Last week stock markets surged as pivotal geopolitical development reshaped investor sentiment: The announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz marked a major step toward de-escalation in the Middle East, with ongoing negotiations fueling optimism that a broader resolution may be closer than previously expected. Oil prices plunged roughly 14 percent intraday, briefly nearing $80 per barrel, down sharply from nearly $120 just ten days ago at peak tensions. But that was then, and this is now. And who knows what will happen next? (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s ‘casts are sponsored by Experian. From lead generation to closing and beyond, Experian empowers mortgage professionals with advanced data, credit insights, and decisioning tools to grow pipelines, manage risk, and stay compliant in a rapidly changing market. Hear an interview with Noise Media Group’s Joe Levi on how marketers are turning SEO budgets into generative engine optimization (GEO) to maintain visibility across AI-driven results that pull from diverse sources like structured data, news, and social content.) Wholesale and Correspondent Product and Corporate News NFTYDoor, an end-to-end digital HELOC software platform, today announced it is now operating as a fully independent company, enabling direct partnerships with wholesale brokers and private label correspondents, alongside a significant expansion of credit parameters and partner economics. Key enhancements include minimum FICO reduced from 640 to 600, maximum CLTV increased from 80 to 90 percent, maximum loan amount increased from $500,000 to $750,000, borrower rates reduced by 100+ bps, increased compensation for brokers and private label partners, and a fully embedded, no-cost warehouse line for private label partners. Access to NFTYDoor’s enhanced end-to-end HELOC origination solution is available exclusively to partners contracting directly with NFTYDoor. Contact hello@nftydoor.com.