Traders will be looking to Bernanke's speech for insight into a potential economic rebound.

During an annual Fed conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Bernanke is expected to talk about the past year's financial crisis and could provide clues about how the Fed will eventually withdraw trillions of dollars in aid used to support the economy.

Withdrawing that support too soon could hinder any recovery. But, waiting too long could lead to rapid inflation.

A report on existing home sales could also provide direction for investors. Sales have shown signs of life in recent months, raising hopes for a recovery for the overall economy. The National Association of Realtors is expected to report existing home sales rose for the fourth consecutive month in July.

July's sales are forecast to rise 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5 million, from 4.89 million in June, according to economists polled by Thomson Reuters.