Fed chief says economic outlook remains uncertain
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress today the economic outlook remains "unusually uncertain," and the central bank is ready to take new steps to keep the recovery alive if the economy worsens.
Testifying before the Senate Banking Committee, Bernanke also said record low interest rates are still needed to bolster the economy. He repeated a pledge to keep them there for an "extended period."
Bernanke downplayed the odds that the economy will slide back into a "double-dip" recession. But he acknowledged the economy is fragile.
Given that, the Fed is "prepared to take further policy actions as needed" to keep the recovery on track, he said. Bernanke said Fed policymakers haven't settled on "leading options" but they are being explored.