Thank you for that kind introduction and for having me here today. I thought I would speak about the economy and where it may be headed, and then look forward to your questions and input. I caution you these are my thoughts alone and not necessarily those of anyone else on the Federal Open Market Committee or in the Federal Reserve System. Contrary to most forecasts, including my own, the economy finished 2023 strong. Twelve-month PCE inflation came down all the way to 2.6 percent. At the same time, despite higher interest rates, global conflicts and banking turmoil, the economy remained healthy, with GDP at 3.4 ... (full story)