BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Chairman Ben Bernanke is standing by the US Federal Reserve’s low-interest-rate policies, and has warned that any move to raise rates prematurely could derail an economic recovery.

During a speech at an economic conference in San Francisco, Bernanke sought to calm fears that very low rates may cause inflation or scare investors. He explained the low-rate policies are intended to encourage borrowing and spending, to boost the economy.

The comments come in light of recent concerns that the Fed may be raising the risk of inflation through its purchases of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

Bernanke appeared before Congress earlier this week, to reassure that the central bank was closely monitoring developments in financial markets to guard against such risks.

(Source: CNTV.cn)