The Fed chair appeared unconcerned Tuesday about the stock market's sharp decline over the past six weeks
"The U.S. consumer now appears to be single-handedly keeping the global economy afloat," economist said
Most economists expect a rebound this quarter as solid hiring and wage gains sustain growth
Financial markets expect the Fed to keep raising rates to a range of 2.5% to 2.75% by the end of this year
The central bank would be open to raising rates by a half-point at multiple Fed meetings, Powell said
The opposition to her nomination has come mainly from the energy industry
Many economists worry that with the price of gas spiking, the additional burden of higher interest rates could choke off growth
Surging costs for gas, food and housing propelled the increase
Unemployment dropped to 3.8% yet more Americans are looking for work
The reading was the largest year-over-year rise since 1982