U.S. growth back on, if just barely: Bernanke

The U.S. recession is probably over, the chairman of the Federal Reserve said Tuesday.

However, Ben Bernanke added, growth may not be strong enough to create many jobs.

"Even though from a technical perspective the recession is very likely over at this point, it's still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time," Bernanke said, responding to questions aftera speechat the Brookings Institution in Washington.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that the economy contracted by 1.0 per cent in the second quarter of this year.Since then,U.S. retail sales and prices formanufactured goods have increased, leading some economists toforecast modest growth in the second half of the year.Thethird-quarter gross domestic product numbers will provide the definitive answer when they come outSept. 30.

Bernanke also said he expects Congress will pass measures to improve government oversight of the U.S. banking industry aimed at avoiding another financial meltdown.

"I feel quite confident that a comprehensive reform will be forthcoming," he said, describing the financial crisis over the past year as "too big a calamity" for Congress not to take action.

President Barack Obama on Monday urged Congress to enactreforms this year.