Cutting Rates Again?

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (bur-NANG'-kee) is hinting there may be another interest rate cut on the horizon to help ease consumer concerns.

In a speech in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bernanke says the worsening credit crunch, a deepening housing slump and rising energy prices probably will create what he terms some "headwinds for the consumer in the months ahead."

Bernanke also says he expects consumer spending to continue growing, and says the country could withstand the current problems without falling into a recession. But he hints that consumers could turn more cautious as they try to cope with all the stresses.

The Fed has already trimmed rates twice this year in the wake of the housing collapse and a mounting credit crunch.

A decision on whether to lower interest rates could come at the Fed's final meeting of the year December 11th.