The US interest rates are to remain low. And, they would remain “exceptionally low” for some time, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke has said. Testifying before the House Financial Committee in his twice-yearly report on monetary policy, he defended the Fed’s policies in fighting the recession. He said low interest rates and a stimulus plan had buoyed the economy. He sought to reassure markets that government intervention could be withdrawn in a “smooth and timely” way.