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Fed's New Chairman Steps Into Spotlight Amid An Expected Rate Increase

The central bank is expected to raise its key interest rate for the first time under Jerome Powell. Economists wonder if faster economic growth will mean more aggressive rate hikes.
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell testifies during a Senate banking committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on March 1. This week, Powell is presiding over a Fed policy meeting for the first time since becoming chairman.

Investors are expecting another quarter-point increase in interest rates Wednesday afternoon as the Federal Reserve's policymaking committee winds up its first two-day meeting under new Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.

Economists are wondering whether faster economic growth might cause the Fed to pick up the pace of its rate hikes. The

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