The Fed's first rate cut in years signals a positive economic direction—and the potential for refinancing. Residential Mortgage Loan Officer Lori Rinaldi goes over the things current and potential homeowners should consider. Affordability remains key, but homeowners should balance the rest of their financial picture before going for a better rate.

09/26/2024: Lori Rinaldi - Rate drops & refinancing? It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

SVP/Private Banking Group Manager Caryn Levey explores the potential Fed rate cut and its impact on mortgages, loans and debt. She shares refinancing advice, urges careful attention to credit scores and reports, and takes a look at HELOCs, credit cards, personal loans and student loans to help consumers prepare for shifting rates and policies.

08/28/2025: Caryn Levey - What Potential Fed Rate Cuts Means for Consumers

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?

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

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.