Summary Box: Fed chief mulls relief option, but not ready to commit

Summary Box: Fed chief not ready for new relief

KEEPING OPTIONS OPEN: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress that the central bank is exploring options to bolster the recovery should it flash signs of fizzling out.

NOT READY TO ROLL OUT NEW RELIEF: But Bernanke suggested no action is imminent because the Fed is still monitoring the strength of the recovery.

CLOUDY OUTLOOK: Bernanke said the “economic outlook remains unusually uncertain,” although the Fed continues to forecast a moderately paced recovery.