In his first appearance before Congress as Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell said he's become more optimistic about the U.S. economy this year. Photo: Getty ImagesWASHINGTON—Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers he has become more optimistic about the U.S. economy this year and that the central bank remains on track to gradually lift short-term interest rates. “My personal outlook for the economy has strengthened since December,” he said Tuesday in testimony to the House Financial Services Committee, his first appearance on Capitol Hill since taking the central bank’s helm earlier this month.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 27, 2018 13:30 UTC