WASHINGTON (AP) - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says
financial markets are "considerably calmer" now than they were
two months ago. He predicts the economy will be rebounding by the
second half of this year.
In remarks prepared for delivery to business executives Friday,
Paulson characterizes housing troubles as still the biggest drag on
the economy. But he says that risk will soon be lessened by nearly
$100 billion in economic stimulus payments to U.S. households.
Paulson says the stimulus checks will support the economy as it
weathers the housing correction, market turmoil and higher energy
and food prices.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)