US markets end slightly lower

CNBC's Rebecca Jarvis - Stocks ending fractionally lower across the board for Wall Street. The Dow lost 45 points today, S&P 500 shed 2 points and the Nasdaq fell about a point.

Fed Chief Ben Bernanke on capital health today warns that recession is possible this year but he said things could pick up by year’s end.

Bernanke also told lawmakers that Bear Stearns rescue was essential and the Fed learned about the banks impending collapse, just 24 hours before what have happened.

US factory orders fell for the second month in row in February and dropped double than the analyst’s prediction and reflected declining demand for motor vehicles and for heavy machinery.

And oil gains nearly USD 4/bbl settling at USDD 104.83/bbl in New York trading.

Wall Street Action:

• Dow loses 45 pts, S&P 500 & Nasdaq down marginally
• Bernanke warns recession possible this year but economy could pick up by year end
• US factory orders drop more than double the expectation
• Crude trading near $105/bbl