The chief of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston predicts unemployment could drop to 6.5 percent by the end of the year if the pace of economic growth accelerates and the government avoids imposing severe spending cuts.

In a speech Tuesday before the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Boston Fed president Eric S. Rosengren said the central bank’s policy of maintaining low interest rates is helping the economy recover. In particular, it is driving car and home sales, and spending by consumers on durable goods.