Name: 07/31/2025: Michael Hides - AI, Efficiency, and Optimism: Associated Bank’s Michael Hides on the Future of Business by Associated Bank
Duration: 11 min 21 s
Description: Michael Hides, SVP at Associated Bank, discusses how AI is helping small businesses streamline tasks, reduce costs and focus on growth. While some fear job loss, he sees AI as a tool for efficiency and expansion. He’s cautiously optimistic about the economy, with clearer trends expected by fall.

Michael Hides, SVP at Associated Bank, discusses how AI is helping small businesses streamline tasks, reduce costs and focus on growth. While some fear job loss, he sees AI as a tool for efficiency and expansion. He’s cautiously optimistic about the economy, with clearer trends expected by fall. 

07/31/2025: Michael Hides - AI, Efficiency, and Optimism: Associated Bank’s Michael Hides on the Future of Business

Business Banking VP Duston Detrick explains how a government shutdown stalls SBA loans, mortgages, and economic reports—affecting growth, consumer confidence, and Fed policy decisions. He warns of cracks beneath a strong market and urges long-term planning amid uncertainty.

10/02/2025: Duston Detrick - Shutdown’s impact on business growth, Fed policy & market stability

With the latest government shutdown underway, Adam Lutostanski reports its potential downward impact on the GDP and delays of key reports, heightening uncertainty. Midwest business stays strong while cutting costs and seeing slower growth. Adam also shares how investors and businesses can stay conservative but be ready to act on opportunity.

10/09/2025: Adam Lutostanski - What a Shutdown Means for Businesses and the Economy

The U.S. dollar has dropped vs overseas currencies this year amid tariff uncertainty and expectations of lower rates. The euro and yen face political pressures, and the Canadian dollar weakens with oil prices. Angie Kappel offers perspectives to keep in mind as FX markets react to currency and trade tensions. 

10/16/2025: Angie Kappel - Global Currency Shifts: Dollar Weakens Amid Ongoing Uncertainty

As the year comes to an end, SVP/Private Banking Group Manager Caryn Levey urges financial checkups amid new OBBB Act changes. Review tax brackets, deductions and savings tools with advisors. Use FSA funds, maximize retirement contributions and lock in higher savings rates before Fed cuts. Plan ahead—smart budgeting and guidance can help you start 2026 strong. 

10/23/2025: Caryn Levey - Year-End Financial Moves Amid New Tax and Savings Changes

Mortgage rates are trending down, with 30-year fixed rates hovering just over 6%, while refinancing is up sharply. Kim Adams notes still-tight inventory despite rising construction activity, as adjustable-rate loans gain popularity. Her advice: refinance or buy when it fits your budget—rates may drop slightly next year, but home prices likely won’t. 

10/30/2025: Kim Adams - Mortgage Rates Ease as Refinancing Rises: What Homebuyers Should Know

Duston Detrick discusses the effect of the federal shutdown on small businesses, particularly the delay of billions of dollars in SBA loans. Not only is this jeopardizing growth plans, the added uncertainty of tariffs and rising health costs are threatening the momentum of this critical segment of the American economy.

11/06/2025: Duston Detrick - What the shutdown means for small business

Jake Braund looks at the Fed’s latest rate cut and the challenges of balancing a slowing labor market and creeping inflation with corporate earnings that remain strong. He also covers what’s behind the rise of stablecoins, how they work, and their potential influence on the economy. Also in this podcast: The latest directions in tariff policies. 

11/13/2025: Jake Braund - Inside the Fed’s Playbook: Inflation, Jobs & the Future of Money

Cook County tax bills are on their way: Dan Barrins discusses how Chicago’s falling commercial real estate values are increasingly shifting the burden to homeowners. He also looks at the new funding sources that CRE developers are turning to, such as investor-driven debt funds, that offer flexibility and speed but at higher risk. 

11/20/2025: Dan Barrins - Shifting Burdens, New Risks: Inside Chicago’s Property Tax Crunch

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.

07/31/2025: Michael Hides - AI, Efficiency, and Optimism: Associated Bank’s Michael Hides on the Future of Business

Associated Bank

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