Core Viewpoint - U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessen criticizes the Federal Reserve for straying from its statutory duties and emphasizes the need for the Fed to regain public trust and focus on its core mission of maximizing employment, stabilizing prices, and maintaining moderate long-term interest rates [1][12]. Group 1: Critique of Federal Reserve Policies - Bessen describes the Fed's post-financial crisis policies as a dangerous "functional gain" experiment, warning that excessive use of unconventional policies threatens the central bank's independence [1][3]. - He argues that these policies have exacerbated wealth inequality, benefiting asset owners while disadvantaging small businesses and lower-income families [3][10]. - The Treasury Secretary highlights that the Fed's failure to achieve its inflation mandate has widened class and generational disparities, counteracting its intended growth stimulation through the "wealth effect" [3][10]. Group 2: Call for Policy Reformation - Bessen calls for the Fed to return to its three statutory responsibilities and to reduce economic distortions caused by its policies [6][12]. - He insists that unconventional policies like quantitative easing (QE) should only be employed in genuine emergencies and in coordination with other government departments [6][12]. - The need for an independent, bipartisan review of the Fed's monetary policy, regulation, communication, staffing, and research is emphasized to restore credibility and independence [6][11]. Group 3: Implications for Future Monetary Policy - Analysts interpret Bessen's statements as a potential precursor to significant shifts in U.S. monetary policy, possibly paving the way for renewed QE or yield curve control (YCC) [2][7]. - The introduction of "moderate long-term interest rates" as a focus area is seen as a notable signal, suggesting a priority on lowering long-term financing costs, particularly for mortgage rates [1][7]. - If such policies are implemented, they could lead to a weaker dollar and benefit commodities like gold, silver, and copper, as well as markets such as A-shares and Hong Kong stocks [2][7].