Fed's Powell says US economic rebound 'can be robust'

The US is facing a "truly rare" economic crisis, but it should see a solid recovery once the coronavirus pandemic has passed, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Thursday.

While the economy is moving "with alarming speed" towards a "very high unemployment" rate, once businesses can reopen, "There is every reason to believe that the economic rebound, when it comes, can be robust," Powell said in a speech.

The US central bank has deployed unprecedented emergency efforts to shore up the financial system and pump money into the economy, including new steps announced earlier Thursday.

"We will continue to use these powers forcefully, proactively, and aggressively until we are confident that we are solidly on the road to recovery," he said.