Why 2026 Could Be a Great Year

 As we turn the page on 2025, the setup for the year ahead looks increasingly constructive. In this episode of Master the Markets, host and expert Bill Bodnar outlines why momentum may be on the side of mortgage professionals heading into 2026. Rates finished 2025 at their lowest levels of the year, pending home sales just posted their best reading in nearly three years, and energy prices remain contained — all supportive signals for housing and inflation trends. 
Bill explains why “the trend is our friend” heading into the new year, but emphasizes that January will be pivotal. Historically, whichever direction rates break early in the year often sets the tone for the months ahead — just like last year, when rates broke lower and delivered one of the strongest mortgage years in over a decade.

This week, markets will focus squarely on the labor picture, with ADP, JOLTS, and Friday’s December jobs report all on deck. These reports could reignite Fed chatter and influence bond yields at a critical moment.