The Federal Reserve Board made news when last week Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled a change in the Fed's strategy to bolster the economy. The central bank is readying to reduce its monthly $120 billion purchase of government-backed bonds.
There are concerns over whether inflation will be stable enough and unemployment low enough to absorb this move by the Federal Reserve.
There is a huge gap, though, between available jobs and available workers. Esther George, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City believes some of the biggest issues lie with the pandemic.
Women are leaving the labor force in disproportionate numbers and not returning while other workers have opted for retirement rather than return to the labor force.
- Esther George, president, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City