Unemployment aid applications in the U.S. fell to 547,000 last week
In meeting minutes, the Federal Reserve gave no sign of ending bond purchases
There are risks and benefits to digital currencies, the Fed chair said
The Fed chair’s comments are in contrast to the increasing optimism about an economic rebound
The measure aims to encourage consumers and businesses to borrow and spend
Unemployment claims reached 965,000 last week
Layoffs soared by 17.6% in November, driven by job cuts at restaurants, bars and hotels
Shelton’s past writings have questioned the Fed’s political independence
Central bank also plans to push inflation above 2% annually
Powell will likely face questions about the extraordinary lending actions the Fed has taken