Associated Press (02/11/14) Martin Crutsinger

In her first public comments since taking over the top Fed job last week, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen said Tuesday that if the economy keeps improving, the Fed will take “further measured steps” to reduce the support it’s providing through monthly bond purchases. Speaking before the House Financial Services Committee, Yellen said that she expects a “great deal of continuity” with her predecessor, Ben Bernanke. She signaled that she supports his view that the economy is strengthening enough to withstand a pullback in stimulus but that rates should stay low to fuel further growth. Yellen’s remarks signal that the Fed will keep its key short-term rate near zero for a prolonged period.