Summary: It is a pleasure to speak on the economic outlook this morning, in part due to this distinguished Ohio Valley audience, and in part because the outlook is so encouraging. Growth is proceeding on a solid pace this year, and inflation is low and stable. Moreover, our economy has withstood several substantial shocks over the last several years, and yet has remained on course. So, I think we have abundant reason to be grateful for a quite positive economic outlook. Before I begin reviewing that outlook, however, I would like to note, as usual, that the views expressed are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues in the Federal Reserve System.
