AP Interview: Paulson says worst of credit crisis may fade

By JEANNINE AVERSA and MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says the worst of the credit crisis may have passed. But he acknowledges that rising gas prices will blunt the effect of economic stimulus checks to 130 million taxpayers.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Paulson rules out a second stimulus package for now. He says the turmoil that has gripped Wall Street has now eased somewhat. Paulson says he thinks "we're closer to the end of this than the beginning."