Evidence Investing

A few days ago Fed Chairman Bernanke said this:

"The Federal Open Market Committee has stated clearly that they currently anticipate that very low, extremely low rates will be needed for an extended period." (source: Yahoo)

Well, talk is cheap, as we know.  Lets take a quick look at the evidence of how the Fed has acted on rate hikes in the past:

So, if the past is any guide (as I would argue it is), and if the recent signs of a decrease in unemployment are true, "an extended period" may actually be something more along the lines of "right around the corner."