U.S. Federal Reserve

20121001-173752-pic-490207920.jpg

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke offers a defense Monday of the Fed’s policies to stimulate the weak economy, while cautioning Congress to respect its private discussions. Mr. Bernanke says the Fed needs to drive down borrowing rates because the economy isn’t growing fast enough to reduce unemployment. The unemployment rate is 8.1 percent. (Associated Press)

BERNANKE.jpg

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke speaks during a news conference in Washington on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting to present the FOMC's current economic projections and to provide additional context for the FOMC's policy decision. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Wall Street Federal R_Lea.jpg

Trader Warren Meyers reacts to the announcement by the Federal Reserve as he watches a television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

20120912-190631-pic-589142562.jpg

Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke spotlighted chronic high unemployment in a speech in Jackson Hole, Wyo., late last month. Mr. Bernanke argued that unorthodox Fed actions have helped ease borrowing costs and boosted stock prices. (Associated Press)

Fed Conference_Live.jpg

**FILE** Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks Aug. 7, 2012, to educators in the board room of the Federal Reserve in Washington during a town hall meeting. (Associated Press)

Bernanke_Live.jpg

** FILE ** Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (right) and Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer walk together Aug. 31, 2012, past television cameras outside of the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium at Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole, Wyo. (Associated Press)