As we enter 2026, the economic landscape is defined by mixed signals and heightened uncertainty.
Jason Cummins is not your traditional economist; he is a practitioner whose analysis guides the deployment of billions of dollars in daily trading volume at Brevan Howard Inc, one of the world’s most prominent macro hedge funds.
While others debate historical data, Jason’s research is stress-tested in real-time by the market itself.
This is a rare opportunity to hear unvarnished, actionable views on the catalysts that will actually move the market in 2026. Moderated by Cosmin Lucaci, this discussion will cut through the noise to address:
- The 2026 Rate Reality: Moving beyond the consensus to understand the true path of the yield curve when capital is on the line.
- The New Fed Leadership: A critical look at the shifting philosophy of the central bank and the practical implications for asset allocation.
- Structural Trade Risks: Unpacking the geopolitical frictions and trade imbalances (including the structural challenges in the global auto sector) that threaten to disrupt pricing power this year.
About the Speaker: Jason Cummins joined Brevan Howard in 2004. He develops the firm’s outlook for the economy, politics, and markets, managing the global research team that supports the firm’s massive trading operations. Previously, he served as a Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Board, leading the macro forecasting team within the Division of Research and Statistics.. About the Moderator: Cosmin Lucaci will guide the conversation, ensuring we move past standard talking points and get to the core of what investors need to know for the year ahead.
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Jason Cummins
Brevan Howard Inc.
Head of Research and Chief U.S. Economist
Jason Cummins is the head of research and chief U.S. economist for Brevan Howard Inc., which he joined in 2004. Brevan Howard is an international hedge fund management group with over $39.5 billion under management as of July 2013. Cummins develops the firm's outlook for the economy, politics, and markets; advises the traders on portfolio management; and manages the global research team. Cummins is also a member of the U.S. Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee, a government-appointed panel of external experts that has served the country for almost half a century. Formerly, Cummins was senior economist at the Federal Reserve Board, where he ran the macro forecasting team. Cummins began his career in 1995 as an assistant professor of economics at New York University and also taught at Harvard University. A graduate of Swarthmore College, Cummins holds a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University.
Moderator:
Cosmin Lucaci, CFA
Brownson, Rehmus, and Foxworth
Director of Research
In his teens, Cosmin learned about investments by reading the business section of The Chicago Tribune. At fifteen, a chance reading of the Financial Times led him to the realization that he wanted to have a career in investments.
Cosmin matriculated at Northwestern University where he majored in Economics and Political Science. He continued his graduate studies at The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business where he earned an MBA. Cosmin is also a CFA charterholder.
Prior to joining BRF, Cosmin was at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He worked on several projects, including co-authoring a study with Fed economists that was published in the Journal of Financial Services Research.
As BRF’s Director of Research, Cosmin leads manager selection and monitoring for public managers and plays an important role in crafting the firm’s strategy for alternative investments.
Outside of work, Cosmin enjoys civic service, connecting people, and giving back. Cosmin has served on the Trustee/Director Boards of several civic organizations, including The UL Boys and Girls Club, Chicago Engineers’ Foundation, CFA Society of Chicago, and the Chicago Booth School of Business Alumni Club. Cosmin is a member of The Chicago Club, The Executives’ Club of Chicago, and the Union League Club of Chicago.
Committee Service
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Agenda:
11:30 a.m. - Registration and Networking
11:45 a.m. - Lunch Buffet Opens
12:00 (Noon) - Welcoming and Begin Conversation
1:00 p.m. - Conclusion
Fee:
Members - $70
Non-Members - $90
Student Members - $30
Please note: No Webcast Available
No Refunds Available
*Function Tickets can be used
CFA Institute Qualified Activity: Eligible for 1 credit hour
Attire: Business Casual
Menu: Buffet style
Lunch will be served Buffet style.