Fed Chief Says Recession is Likely Over, But Recovery Will Be Slow

WASHINGTON - In his first speech since he was reappointed, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the recession is "very likely over" but detailed the tough road ahead for the economy.

Bernanke also said that despite delays, he is confident that Congress will pass changes to financial rules to ward off future collapses.

He hit hard on the "challenges" for the Fed and all policymakers in dealing with a sluggish unemployment rate as the economy recovers from a recession that began in December 2007.

"That's one reason why, even though from a technical perspective, the recession is very likely over at this point, it's still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time," Bernanke said. "As many people will still find their job security and employment status is not what they wish it was."

Bernanke's speech to experts and Washington insiders at the Brooking's Institution in Washington on Tuesday was a repeat of the one he gave to economists in Jackson Hole, Wyo., last month, when he cautioned the economy would start growing again, although slowly.

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Source: CNN.com