Summary Box: Bernanke says record-low rates are needed to aid recovery

Summary Box: Bernanke in no rush to boost rates

BERNANKE’S MESSAGE: Record-low interest rates are still needed to nurture the recovery and help reduce unemployment, now at 9.7 percent.

BACK TO NORMAL: The Fed has shuttered special lending programs set up during the crisis. Last week, it bumped up the rate banks pay for emergency loans from the Fed.

CONSUMER CREDIT: Once the economy is firmly rooted, the Fed will tighten credit for Americans. Such a move is probably months away.