NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Crude futures fell Thursday as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he expects slower U.S. economic growth in 2008.

    Bernanke, testifying before Congress, confirmed the slow economic growth, saying the housing sector will be a drag on the economy for much of this year.

    Bernanke's comments added to the negative economic sentiment pushing prices down after earlier gains due to a weaker dollar and forecasts of colder temperatures.

    Light, sweet crude for February delivery fell 71 cents to 90.13 U.S. dollars on the New York Mercantile Exchange after rising as high as 92.19 dollars.