Bernanke no le da importancia a las amenazas de inflacion.
Bernanke dijo que la reciente alza en los precios de petroleo, granos y otros commodities a nivel mundial es temporal y no se traducira en una inflacion generalizada y problematica. Sin embargo dijo que el estaba listo para actuar de inmediato si sus predicciones estan equivocadas.
Bernanke Plays Down Threats of Inflation
By LUCA DI LEO And MICHAEL S. DERBY
STONE MOUNTAIN, Georgia–Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Monday downplayed inflation threats to the U.S. economy, despite recent warnings from some of his central bank colleagues that their easy money policies may need to be tightened this year to keep prices in check.
Mr. Bernanke said the recent rise in prices of oil, grains, and other global commodity prices is likely to be temporary and won't translate into a broader inflation problem. However, the Fed chief was quick to add that if his prediction is wrong and inflation begins to mark strong gains, the central bank would respond.
"I think the increase in inflation will be transitory," Bernanke said. He attributed the sharp increases in prices for oil and food to "global supply and demand conditions," adding he reckoned these prices "will eventually stabilize."
Mr. Bernanke's remarks, which came in response to audience questions at a conference held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, indicated he doesn't share inflation concerns aired recently by a vocal minority of central bank officials.
Other Fed officials' recent comments have left markets somewhat uncertain about the Fed's policy direction.
The loudest voices in recent weeks have come from the Fed's hawkish wing, those policymakers who tend to worry more than others about inflation. Officials like Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser and Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher have led many market participants to believe the central bank is moving closer to tighten monetary policy to keep a lid on prices.
Mr. Bernanke said that while near-term inflation expectations have risen due to higher food and gasoline prices, he said that over the next two years people expect inflation will be subdued, a sign that prices will remain in check. Some officials have suggested the Fed may have to sharply raise interest rates late this year to stem inflation, even if unemployment remains high.
The immediate issue is the future of the Fed's $600 billion bond buying program, which is scheduled to end in the summer. A recovering economy, rising commodity prices and rising worries about inflation are causing many to question the continued need for the Fed's stimulative program.
But other Fed officials worry more that unemployment remains too high and inflation too low. On Friday, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, William Dudley, indicated the bond-buying program will run its course and he and warned against raising rates too soon. "We are still very far away from achieving our dual mandate of maximum sustainable employment and price stability," Mr. Dudley said. "Faster progress toward these objectives would be very welcome."
Mr. Bernanke pointed to continued weakness in the economy, saying the housing sector is one reason why the recovery is not stronger. He said the Fed expects the high rate of foreclosures to continue.
Write to Luca Di Leo at
luca.dileo@dowjones.com