This month, the DC Mastermind Group enjoyed an in-depth presentation from senior economist Andrew Bauer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Bauer explained the calculus that the Federal Reserve employs to determine whether and when to raise the short-term interest rates, and why there has seemingly been a lot of hesitancy from the Fed to raise those rates. Overall, the economy and employment are experiencing above-average growth, yet other factors are keeping expected levels of inflation at bay. In light of strong economic indicators, however, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates next month and unemployment is expected to get even lower before settling back at 4.5 percent. Attendees also talked shop about why many expect Amazon to settle in Rosslyn and Crystal City.