We're going to have to make transitions in the economy due to AI, Judy Shelton says

Economic Divide and Consumer Sentiment - The Michigan consumer sentiment index has dropped to one of its lowest levels ever, indicating a significant divide between the wealthy and the less affluent [1] - Despite an increase in household wealth since the global financial crisis, consumer pessimism remains high, particularly among those not holding significant assets [1] - The sentiment among stockholders has improved by 11%, highlighting a disparity in economic outlook between asset holders and the general population [1] Federal Reserve Policies - The Federal Reserve's restrictive monetary policies are perceived to benefit the wealthy while constraining economic growth for the broader population [1][2] - There is a concern that the Fed's approach to combating inflation by raising interest rates is limiting access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, which are crucial for economic expansion [1][2] - The ongoing fiscal stimulus, often directed towards non-working individuals, contrasts with the Fed's tightening measures, creating a misalignment in economic policy [1][2] Small Business Challenges - Small businesses are struggling to access loans, with sentiment regarding loan availability remaining negative since 2000 [2][3] - Entrepreneurs express a need for more support to achieve growth and innovation, particularly in the face of advancements in AI that primarily benefit larger corporations [3][4] Gold and Economic Stability - Central banks, particularly in China, have been increasing their gold reserves, which could play a significant role in stabilizing the economy [5][6] - A proposal suggests that the U.S. Treasury could issue long-term securities convertible into gold, potentially linking the dollar to a more stable asset [7][10] - Establishing a connection between the dollar and gold could enhance the trustworthiness of the U.S. currency and promote sound financial practices [8][11]