Man of Many Concerns

Ben Bernanke,who was widely praised for his interview on CBS' 60 Minutes,continued to express the range of his concerns to the community bankers.Current capital rules prompt banks to reduce new lending during downturns,he complained.International efforts are underway to reduce excessive pro-cyclicality in financial regulations.The Federal Reserve's actions taken last week are intended to improve private credit market conditions.We want to be sure we can move out of credit markets when appropriate.We have steps in place to shrink the balance sheet at the right time,Mr.Bernanke informed the community bankers.