ST. LOUIS, Feb 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. appears likely to avoid an economic slowdown, and Federal Reserve interest rate targets are well-positioned to stabilize the economy, St. Louis Fed President William Poole said on Monday.

"I think the best bet is that we will not have a recession," he said in response to questions after a speech.

"Policy is at a good place both for the long-run concern and for cushioning the impact of the financial disturbances we are now dealing with," he added. (Reporting by Joanne Morrison, writing by Mark Felsenthal)