Jake Braund

September 2025

As a VP/portfolio manager for Associated Bank’s Wealth Management division, Jake Braund has been fielding inquiries from commercial and private investors about the potential for a full-blown recession in 2023. In this week’s podcast, Jake looks at the factors that could contribute to it, whether the Fed rate hikes are working, and what investors can do to protect themselves..

09/28/2022: Jake Braund - Is a recession inevitable?

Vice President/Portfolio Manager Jake Braund looks at market activity in the past year and coming year with a mix of pessimism and optimism. 2022 was a mixed bag for investors, as stocks and bonds were down but the economy was up. As 2023 begins, market analysts, forecasters and economists continue to balance their predictions with positive signs and up-and-down growth. In this uncertain environment, Jake offers advice for investors who are wondering which direction to follow.

01/12/2023: Jake Braund - Discipline remains the best course

As inflation peaked last summer, Portfolio Manager/Wealth Management & Institutional Services Jake Braund sees inflation prices gradually and consistently decreasing. Indications also prove that we’re nearing the end of the Fed’s increased rate hikes. We’re slowly and finally starting to head in the right direction this year along with our positive jobs numbers and seeing slow growth in our retirement accounts.

04/06/2023: Jake Braund - Inflation, rate hikes cooling, jobs and 401(k)s seeing growth.

A hard recession or a soft landing? Vice President/Portfolio Manager Jake Braund steps in to sort through the complicated economics of recovery. The stock market might appear to be bullish and job numbers remain strong, yet there are undercurrents like persistent inflation that may still trigger a downturn. Jake also looks at the Fed’s role in tempering the landing, including a possible pause in rate hike raises as they assess the state of the market, as well as how investors might want to position their portfolios.

06/08/2023: Jake Braund - Recession signs and signals still not clear

Vice President/Portfolio Manager Jake Braund takes a look at the figures as the CPI hovers around 3%—a significant drop from over 9% just 12 months ago. But sometimes the final stretch can be the most difficult; in this case, the drive to get it down to the Fed target of 2%. What’s the outlook for future rate hikes, and what does this mean for investors’ portfolios?

07/13/2023: Jake Braund - Inflation numbers cool down but still hover above target

Commercial Banking SVP Drew Lear talks the state of the current economy. Despite a 3.3% GDP, a softer labor market, inflation near 3%, weaker spending and tariffs still weigh on growth. The Fed stands likely to keep rates close to current levels; market effects could include cautious employers, possible hiring freezes and more consumer strain.

09/04/2025: Drew Lear - The Fed, Inflation & the Economy: What’s Next?

Jake Braund sees a still-changing market: as controversial tariffs raise costs and temper job growth, corporate profits, productivity, tech investment and rate cuts keep spurring economic momentum. He explains why this is a good time for investors to rebalance portfolios as money market yields fall and stock valuations sit near 20-year highs.

09/11/2025: Jake Braund - Navigating tariffs and high valuations

The 78, Bronzeville, PsiQuantum: CRE Group SVP Dan Barrins goes over Chicago’s latest crop of massive development projects. Multiuse is the key word, as residential and retail sit side-by-side with proposed office, entertainment and tech hubs. What does this mean for renters in a tight market, and what could be the effects of lower Fed rates?

09/18/2025: Dan Barrins - Chicago rising: Development plans emphasize live-work-play

Commercial Banking SVP Danny Salazar looks at the Fed’s 25 bp rate cut as a boost for small businesses, lowering borrowing costs and spurring investment. Manufacturing, construction and real estate could also gain, although savers could see a hit on yields. Future cuts will likely hinge on inflation, tariffs and jobs data.

09/25/2025: Danny Salazar - Fed cuts rates—Who wins, who waits?

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.