Bernanke: ‘tentative signs’ recession may be easing; recovery hinges on financial stability

WASHINGTON – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday there’s been "tentative signs" that the recession may be easing. But he also warned that any hope for a lasting recovery hinges on the government’s success in stabilizing shaky financial markets and getting credit to flow more freely again. Specifically, the Fed chief mentioned improvements in recent data on home and auto sales, home building and consumer spending as flickering signs of encouragement. "Recently we have seen tentative signs that the sharp decline in economic activity may be slowing," Bernanke said in remarks prepared for students and faculty at Morehouse College in Atlanta. "A leveling…

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