MAYBE FOR YOU — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke reported yesterday that the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression is “probably over,” but that a lot of pain remained in our economic sector. He also said that the 15 million unemployed would continue to feel the effects for some time to come.

The unemployment rate is now 9.7% and rising, with most experts saying that it will top 10% by the end of the year. Bernanke is government’s highest official to say that the recession is probably over, giving some confidence to the markets still reeling from last year’s meltdown.

Recently, the Fed chairman said the economy seems to be “leveling off,” and the world economy is “beginning to emerge.” The recession started in December 2007 and has meant a loss of almost seven million jobs.