Fed Chair Ben Bernanke says economic recovery in the country will continue at a moderate pace, hampered by the sluggish housing sector. The Fed will keep interest rates at record lows until about 2014. In remarks to reporters after a round of policy meetings Wednesday, Mr. Bernanke also warned that the U.S. faces a fiscal cliff unless Congress acts ahead of tax hikes and spending cuts scheduled at the start of 2013.
The next Fed gathering is set for June 19 and 20.