Bernanke sounds optimistic, or almost that

Dallas -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. economy was on the mend, but still wobbly after a two and a half year recession.

In some of his most optimistic remarks in recent memory, Bernanke opened a speech in Dallas declaring, "this is a momentous time."

"During some of the worst phases of the crisis, a new depression seemed a real possibility," he said. Now, however, "the economy seems to have stabilized and is beginning to grow again."

"We are far from being out of the woods," he said, moving quickly to point out the issues of unemployment and foreclosures were still plaguing "many Americans."
Bernanke said, "hiring remains very weak" and took a stab at a forecast. "My best guess is that economic growth, supported by the Federal Reserve's stimulative monetary policy, will be sufficient to slowly reduce the unemployment rate over the coming year."

He quoted economist Herb Stein as saying, "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop" and closed by saying he had no doubt the country could overcome its economic difficulties.

Copyright 2010 United Press International

No votes yet