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?

During the COVID pandemic, nations around the world ran up staggering debt to support their people and economies, to the point where it recently hit $315 trillion. As David Faller explains, recovery has seen a mix of “macro” signs such as high stock markets and low unemployment and “micro” pressures on consumers like still-high housing, food and fuel costs as well as a rise in personal debt.

06/06/2024: David Faller - The shape of global debt

Higher interest rates are rippling from residential to commercial real estate, reducing transactions and making it harder to pass costs onto tenants. Dan Barrins explains how this trend has led to an uptick in foreclosures, especially downtown, amid remote work trends. Relief from potential rate cuts could boost borrowing and market activity, alleviating some pressure.

06/13/2024: Dan Barrins - The Spreading Ripple of High Interest Rates

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.

06/06/2024: David Faller - The shape of global debt

Associated Bank

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