Global perspective important for U.S. economic policy making: Bernanke

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday that the international context is "very important" for the United States to make economic polices.

"What's happening around the world in the emerging markets, in Europe, affects us here in the United States and it's important for us to take the global perspective as we discuss the economy," Bernanke said after talking with President Barack Obama.

He said he had a wide-ranging discussion with the President, including the outlook for the economy and financial regulatory reform. Especially, the Fed chief emphasized on international factors.

The sovereign debt crisis in Europe has cast shadow over global financial markets in recent months. Banking troubles in Europe have stalled markets, businesses and investors.

According to the latest data released by the Conference Board -- a leading business research firm, U.S. Consumer Confidence Index declined sharply to 52.9 points from 62.7 in May. The index was lower than economists' expectation.

Analysts said that increasing uncertainty and apprehension about the future state of the economy and labor market, are the primary reasons for the sharp reversal in confidence.

Source: Xinhua