Well, maybe it’s a little early to predict the end of the recession that has been evident in our economy since December of 2007. However, there is hope that it could be almost over. Today Fed Chair Ben Bernanke addressed Congress and talked about the economic contraction we have seen recently in slowing.

While he still thinks that a bottom is coming, Bernanke made it clear that he is cautiously optimistic that we will soon reach an economic bottom and that by the end of this year recovery will begin.

Even the most optimistic of analysts and politicians know that even if economic recovery does begin by the end of 2009, there is still a long road ahead. The housing market is considered an essential part of the economic recovery, and job losses still need to be abated. But recent economic data, including pending home sales and consumer confidence, are contributing to a feeling of hope.