The range of 1.5% to 1.75% is far below levels that have been typical during previous expansions
Former CFTC head Chris Giancarlo is spearheading an effort to launch a digital U.S. currency
The U.S. central bank's first 2020 beige book carries same upbeat message as its late-December forecasts
After three cuts earlier this year, the central bank left its benchmark rate in a low range of 1.5% to 1.75%
Economists expect the Federal Reserve to remain in a holding pattern for now
The Fed cut short-term rates last month for the third time this year
The move reduces the short-term rate to a range between 1.5% and 1.75%
Positive economic data should mean the Bank of Canada holds
Measure isn't intended to lower longer-term rates, Fed says
Firms in highest-risk categories must still adhere to stricter rules