Federal Reserve of Cleveland President Sandra Pianalto said recent economic data have been "bleak" and that she expects U.S. growth to decline "sharply" in the first half of 2009.
Speaking in Ohio, Pianalto said she does, however, see a modest upturn in growth in the second half of 2009.
The Fed president also said the economic situation is historic and unprecedented and that the economy can't be expected to recover until stability returns to the housing and financial sectors.
By Stephen Huebl and edited by Sarah Sussman
©CEP News Ltd. 2009