Angie Kappel

May 2024

Inflation may a concern in nearly every country right now, but Vice President of Foreign Exchange Angie Kappel reports that world economic growth is surging this year. The U.S. continues to lead the way with Mexico following closely behind, thanks to the emergence of nearshoring.

05/02/2024: Angie Kappel - Global economics from a currency perspective

Doug McClure, commercial banking SVP, addresses small business owners' inflation worries and rate stagnation, and what business bankers can do. Uncertainty has prompted some to reevaluate their debt and investment plans, as mid-size companies are seeking tech-forward banking solutions, prioritizing fraud prevention and payment automation.

05/09/2024: Doug McClure - Small businesses concerned about fraud and rate uncertainty

Director of Treasury Management, Sales and Onboarding Melissa Cooper talks about how businesses as well as consumers are turning to digital payment options. Virtual cards, digital wallets, automated software and other options offer not only convenience and speed, but the added security traditional methods like checks can’t offer.

05/16/2024: Melissa Cooper - Digital payments making inroads to business and consumer markets

VP/Portfolio Manager Jake Braund calls Wall Street’s recent bump “spectacular”—but why, at the same time, is public perception of the economy is decidedly negative? Jake takes a look at the numbers and explains the figures that go into determining market health. In short, it’s complicated, but a sunnier picture than many think it is.

05/23/2024: Jake Braund - Prices and the economy: Perception vs realty

Adam Lutostanski discusses the inflationary pressures that are causing the Fed to dampen the prospect of rate cuts this year. Despite high grocery prices and increasing insurance rates, consumer spending remains steady due to robust employment. Businesses are still investing in technology, but spending—and borrowing--more strategically.

05/30/2024: Adam Lutostanski - What’s behind the Fed’s rate cut delays?

More positive news on the back of the Fed’s recent rate cut: a robust U.S. jobs report has given the dollar a substantial boost over the past several days. Foreign Exchange VP Angie Kappel explains more, including developments in Mexico and the uncertainties hovering elsewhere on the international scene.

10/10/2024: Angie Kappel - Current US economic outlook sunny with some clouds

VP/Foreign Exchange Angie Kappel shares her insights on current fluctuations in international trade. With uncertain U.S. tariff policies making headlines, consumer confidence is waning as businesses delay big investments. Hedging is becoming crucial in this world of volatile global currency values; Associated Bank already been helping corporations plan around it.

03/27/2025: Angie Kappel - Tariff uncertainty chips away at consumer & business confidence

Angie Kappel unpacks CPI data, noting tariffs are already raising import prices and sharing her outlook for the year ahead. Fed rate cuts are likely, though political pressure on its independence worries markets. Cheaper borrowing could spur growth, yet the dollar stays weak as investors eye other currencies.

 

08/14/2025: Angie Kappel - Inflation, Tariffs & the Fed: Market Crosscurrents Ahead

Some of Associated Bank's most well-respected financial leaders offer their analysis of current events in the financial world. You won't want to miss these conversations. From discussing local commercial real estate to assessing national and global economic trends to dissecting political implications on the banking industry – anything is fair game.