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Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, provides
the nation with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial
system.
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Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization - G.17
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Selected Interest Rates - H.15
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Recent Developments
Beige Book
Recent Posting - 3/6/2024
Testimony by Chair Powell on the semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress
Testimony - 3/6/2024
Speech by Governor Bowman on tailoring, fidelity to the rule of law, and unintended consequences
Speech - 3/5/2024
Speech by Governor Kugler on pursuing the dual mandate
Speech - 3/1/2024
Monetary Policy Report
Recent Posting - 3/1/2024
Speech by Governor Waller on thoughts on quantitative tightening, including remarks on the paper "Quantitative Tightening around the Globe: What Have We Learned?"
Speech - 3/1/2024
Agencies host 2024 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference
Press Release - 2/29/2024
Federal Reserve Board announces termination of enforcement action
Press Release - 2/29/2024
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Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Read the paper Money and Payments: The U.S. Dollar in the Age of Digital Transformation.
Open Board meeting
Access materials for the open Board meeting and watch live on October 24, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
Funding, Credit, Liquidity, and Loan Facilities and Reporting
Learn more about the facilities the Federal Reserve has established in response to events related to the COVID-19 pandemic and read reports filed with Congress pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act.
FOMC Press Conference
Watch on-demand video from Chair Powell's press conference on January 31, 2024
Innovation
The Federal Reserve Board is committed to supporting responsible fintech innovation, both by the firms we regulate directly, and in the financial market broadly.
Proposals for Comment
Find, review, and submit comments on Board proposals.
Select Statistical Releases
Principal Economic Indicators
DDP for Consumer Credit - G.19
Consumer Credit - G.19
DDP for Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization - G.17
Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization - G.17
DDP for Factors Affecting Reserve Balances - H.4.1
Factors Affecting Reserve Balances - H.4.1
DDP for Money Stock Measures - H.6
Money Stock Measures - H.6
DDP for Commercial Paper
Commercial Paper
DDP for Financial Accounts of the United States - Z.1FOF for Financial Accounts of the United States - Z.1
Financial Accounts of the United States - Z.1
DDP for Selected Interest Rates - H.15
Selected Interest Rates - H.15
Federal Reserve Consumer Help
If you have a problem with a bank or financial institution, contact the Federal Reserve for help
Last Update:
March 6, 2024
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Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
20th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20551
Federal Reserve Board - Monetary Policy
Federal Reserve Board - Monetary Policy
Skip to main content
Back to Home
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Stay Connected
Federal Reserve Facebook Page
Federal Reserve Instagram Page
Federal Reserve YouTube Page
Federal Reserve Flickr Page
Federal Reserve LinkedIn Page
Federal Reserve Threads Page
Federal Reserve Twitter Page
Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to Email
Recent Postings
Calendar
Publications
Site Map
A-Z index
Careers
FAQs
Videos
Contact
Search
Submit Search Button
Advanced
Toggle Dropdown Menu
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, provides
the nation with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial
system.
Main Menu Toggle Button
Sections
Search Toggle Button
Search
Search Submit Button
Submit
Aboutthe Fed
Structure of the Federal Reserve System
The Fed Explained
Board Members
Advisory Councils
Federal Reserve Banks
Federal Reserve Bank and Branch Directors
Federal Reserve Act
Currency
Board Meetings
Board Votes
Diversity & Inclusion
Careers
Do Business with the Board
Holidays Observed - K.8
Ethics & Values
Contact
Requesting Information (FOIA)
FAQs
Economic Education
Fed Financial Statements
Innovation
News& Events
Press Releases
Speeches
Testimony
Calendar
Videos
Photo Gallery
Conferences
MonetaryPolicy
Federal Open Market Committee
About the FOMC
Meeting calendars and information
Transcripts and other historical materials
FAQs
Monetary Policy Principles and Practice
Notes
Policy Implementation
Policy Normalization
Policy Tools
Reports
Monetary Policy Report
Beige Book
Federal Reserve Balance Sheet Developments
Review of Monetary Policy Strategy, Tools, and Communications
Overview
Supervision& Regulation
Institution Supervision
Novel Activities Supervision Program
Community & Regional Financial Institutions
Large Financial Institutions
Foreign Banking Organizations
Financial Market Utilities
Consumer Compliance
Reports
Federal Reserve Supervision and Regulation Report
Reporting Forms
All Reporting Forms
Recent Updates
Information collections under review
Financial Statements
Applications/structure change
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)
Municipal & Government Securities
Supervision & Regulation Letters
By Year
By Topic
Banking Applications & Legal Developments
Application Process
Board & Reserve Bank Action
Enforcement Actions & Legal Developments
Regulatory Resources
Regulations
Manuals
Basel Regulatory Framework
Volcker Rule
Education, Training, and Assistance
Banking & Data Structure
Beneficial Ownership reports
Large Commercial Banks
U.S. Offices of Foreign Entities
Financial Holding Companies
Interstate Branching
Securities Underwriting & Dealing Subsidiaries
Minority Depository Institutions
FinancialStability
Financial Stability Assessments
About Financial Stability
Types of Financial System Vulnerabilities & Risks
Monitoring Risk Across the Financial System
Proactive Monitoring of Markets & Institutions
Financial Stability & Stress Testing
Financial Stability Coordination & Actions
Responding to Financial System Emergencies
Cooperation on Financial Stability
Reports
Financial Stability Report
PaymentSystems
Regulations & Statutes
Regulation CC (Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks)
Regulation II (Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing)
Regulation HH (Financial Market Utilities)
Other Regulations and Statutes
Payment Policies
Federal Reserve's Key Policies for the Provision of Financial Services
Guidelines for Evaluating Joint Account Requests
Overnight Overdrafts
Payment System Risk
Sponsorship for Priority Telecommunication Services
Reserve Bank Payment Services & Data
Automated Clearinghouse Services
Check Services
Currency and Coin Services
Daylight Overdrafts and Fees
FedNow® Service
Fedwire Funds Services
Fedwire Securities Services
Fiscal Agency Services
Master Account and Services Database
National Settlement Service
Financial Market Utilities & Infrastructures
Supervision & Oversight of Financial Market Infrastructures
Designated Financial Market Utilities
International Standards for Financial Market Infrastructures
Research, Reports, & Committees
Federal Reserve Payments Study (FRPS)
Payments Research
Reports
Payments System Policy Advisory Committee
EconomicResearch
Meet the Researchers
Working Papers and Notes
Finance and Economics Discussion Series (FEDS)
FEDS Notes
International Finance Discussion Papers (IFDP)
Data, Models and Tools
Economic Research Data
FRB/US Model
Estimated Dynamic Optimization (EDO) Model
Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF)
Data
Data Download Program
Bank Assets and Liabilities
Aggregate Reserves of Depository Institutions and the Monetary Base - H.3
Assets and Liabilities of Commercial Banks in the U.S. - H.8
Assets and Liabilities of U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks
Charge-Off and Delinquency Rates on Loans and Leases at Commercial Banks
Senior Financial Officer Survey
Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices
Bank Structure Data
Large Commercial Banks
Minority Depository Institutions
Structure and Share Data for the U.S. Offices of Foreign Banks
Business Finance
Commercial Paper
Finance Companies - G.20
New Security Issues, State and Local Governments
New Security Issues, U.S. Corporations
Dealer Financing Terms
Senior Credit Officer Opinion Survey on Dealer Financing Terms
Exchange Rates and International Data
Foreign Exchange Rates - H.10/G.5
International Summary Statistics
Securities Holdings and Transactions
Statistics Reported by Banks and Other Financial Firms in the United States
Structure and Share Data for U.S. Offices of Foreign Banks
Financial Accounts
Financial Accounts of the United States - Z.1
Household Finance
Consumer Credit - G.19
Household Debt Service and Financial Obligations Ratios
Mortgage Debt Outstanding
Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF)
Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking
Industrial Activity
Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization - G.17
Interest Rates
Selected Interest Rates - H.15
Micro Data Reference Manual (MDRM)
Micro and Macro Data Collections
Money Stock and Reserve Balances
Factors Affecting Reserve Balances - H.4.1
Money Stock Measures - H.6
Other
Yield Curve Models and Data
Consumers & Communities
Regulations
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
All Regulations
Supervision & Enforcement
CA Letters
Enforcement Actions
Independent Foreclosure Review
Community Development
Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Employment and Workforce Development
Community Development Finance
Rural Community and Economic Development
Conferences
Research & Analysis
Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking
Research Publications & Data Analysis
Community Advisory Council
Consumer Resources
Mortgage and Foreclosure Resources
Federal Reserve Community Development Resources
Home
Monetary Policy
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Monetary policy in the United States comprises the Federal Reserve's actions and communications to promote maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates--the economic goals the Congress has instructed the Federal Reserve to pursue.
Review of Monetary Policy Strategy, Tools, and Communications
In a review conducted over 2019 and 2020, the Fed took a step back to consider whether the U.S. monetary policy framework could be improved to better meet future challenges. Here are the results.
More information
Federal Open Market Committee
FOMC Calendar
About the FOMC
Transcripts and other historical materials
Rules and Authorizations
FAQs
FOMC Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy (PDF)
Communications Policies:
Committee (PDF) | Staff (PDF)
Recent Documents
FOMC Statement: PDF | HTML
Released January 31, 2024
FOMC Minutes: PDF | HTML
Released February 21, 2024
FOMC Statement: PDF | HTML
Released December 13, 2023
Press Conference
January 31, 2024
Upcoming Dates
Mar. 19-20 FOMC Meeting
Two-day meeting
Press Conference
Apr. 10 FOMC Minutes
Meeting of Mar. 19-20
Apr/May 30-1 FOMC Meeting
Two-day meeting
Press Conference
May. 22 FOMC Minutes
Meeting of Apr/May 30-1
Monetary Policy Principles and Practice
Six short notes on the principles of sound monetary policy and central banks' practices in setting and implementing monetary policy
View Notes
Reports
Monetary Policy ReportBeige BookFederal Reserve Balance Sheet Developments
Policy Normalization
FOMC Communications related to Policy NormalizationQ&AsRelated Staff AnalysisHistory of the FOMC's Policy Normalization Discussions and Communications
Monetary Policy Operations and the Balance Sheet
Federal Reserve Balance SheetFederal Reserve Liabilities
Policy Tools
Open Market OperationsDiscount Window and Discount RateReserve RequirementsInterest on Reserve BalancesOvernight Reverse Repurchase Agreement FacilityTerm Deposit FacilityCentral Bank Liquidity SwapsForeign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) Repo FacilityStanding Overnight Repurchase Agreement FacilityExpired Policy Tools
Last Update:
February 21, 2024
Back to Top
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
About the FedNews & EventsMonetary PolicySupervision & RegulationFinancial StabilityPayment SystemsEconomic ResearchDataConsumers & CommunitiesConnect with the Board
Tools and Information
Contact
Publications
Freedom of Information (FOIA)
Office of Inspector General
Budget & Performance | Audit
No FEAR Act
Español
Website Policies | Privacy Program
Accessibility
Stay Connected
Federal Reserve Facebook Page
Federal Reserve Instagram Page
Federal Reserve YouTube Page
Federal Reserve Flickr Page
Federal Reserve LinkedIn Page
Federal Reserve Threads Page
Link to Federal Reserve Twitter Page
Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to Email
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
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美国联邦储备系统(The Federal Reserve System) - 知乎
美国联邦储备系统(The Federal Reserve System) - 知乎切换模式写文章登录/注册美国联邦储备系统(The Federal Reserve System)考研英语于杉老师吉林大学 语言学硕士美国联邦储备系统(The Federal Reserve System),简称为美联储(The Fed),负责履行美国的中央银行的职责。这个系统是根据《联邦储备法》(Federal Reserve Act)于1913年12月23日成立的。美联储的核心管理机构是美国联邦储备委员会。 联邦储备系统由位于华盛顿特区的联邦储备委员会和12家分布全国主要城市的地区性的联邦储备银行组成。杰罗姆·鲍威尔为现任美联储最高长官(美国联邦储备委员会主席)。作为美国的中央银行,美联储从美国国会获得权力,行使制定货币政策和对美国金融机构进行监管等职责。美国联邦储备系统为美国的中央银行,与其他国家的中央银行相比,美联储作为美国的中央银行诞生的比较晚。历史上,美国曾多次试图成立一个像美联储这样的中央银行,但因为议员及总统担心央行权力过大,或央行会被少数利益集团绑架而没有成功。这种担心主要是由美国的国家形态所决定的。建国之初,美国是由一些独立的州以联邦的形式组成的松散组织,大部分的行政权力主要集中在州政府,而非联邦政府。因此,成立中央银行这样一个联邦机构的想法会引起各州的警觉,他们担心联邦政府想以此为名来扩大自己的权力范围。 美国第一银行美国的第一任财政部部长亚历山大·汉密尔顿(Alexander Hamilton)在美国独立战争结束后,向国会提议成立一个全国性的银行。主要负责帮助美国各州发行债券,以逐步偿还独立战争时期累积的债务。另外,该银行还可帮助保管财政部的存款及处理其他联邦政府财务上的收支。汉密尔顿的这个提议当时遭到了强烈反对。反对者主要担心这三个方面:其一,这样一个全国性银行比其他银行有更多竞争优势,会造成它在私营银行业务上的垄断;其二,该银行超出美国宪法规定的联邦政府权限;其三,成立全国性银行会削弱各州政府的权力。尽管汉密尔顿力排众议,于1791年在费城成功建立了这样一个银行——美国第一银行(The First Bank of the United States),但国会只批准第一银行经营20年。20年后,必须获得国会批准,第一银行才能继续存在。美国第一银行并不是现代意义上的中央银行,它实际上仍是一个私人性质的商业银行。第一银行和其他银行一样吸收储户的存款和发放商业贷款。另外,第一银行按照股份制方式成立,股票在市场上公开出售,股东和其他上市公司股东一样分配红利,决定第一银行如何经营。唯一不同的是,其他商业银行属于州内银行,而美国第一银行是全国性质的银行,在全美开展业务,而且第一银行是唯一一个为美国财政部提供服务的银行。第一银行除了是私人性质的商业银行外,还有一个很大的硬伤,就是它大概有70%的股权属于外国人,当时主要是欧洲人。这让很多美国人担心第一银行是欧洲金融家族控制美国的一个工具。所以1811年,第一银行的20年经营期限到了之后,国会没有批准它继续存在,第一银行被迫关闭。美国第二银行1812年,英美再起战争冲突。由于缺乏一个有效的中央银行系统和全国统一的金融市场,美国的州内银行陷入混乱。为了恢复银行秩序和处理战争债务,美国再次考虑成立一个类似第一银行的中央银行。1816年由美国国会投票通过,麦迪逊总统签署法案成立了美国第二银行(The Second Bank of the United States)。和第一银行类似,第二银行更接近一个全国性的商业银行,而不是现代意义的中央银行。同样,国会也只给第二银行颁发了20年执照。执照到期后,必须经过国会批准才能继续存在。由于商业竞争关系,第二银行成立后遭到州内银行的强烈反对。它的反对者声称,第二银行只帮助美国东部经济发达地区的商人和富豪,而不为当时占美国人口多数的农民服务。这种宣传把第二银行推到了舆论上非常孤立的境地。在当时美国第七任总统竞选中,安德鲁·杰克逊(Andrew Jackson)的竞选对手支持第二银行。1833年,杰克逊当上总统后,兑现了自己的竞选承诺,把财政部的存款全部转移到州立银行,削弱了第二银行继续存在的理由。这种情况下,第二银行的执照在20年期限到期后,没有通过国会的审批。1836年,美国第二银行重蹈第一银行覆辙,被迫关闭。自由金融时期在美国第二银行关闭后的70多年里,美国政府没有再试图建立一个类似中央银行的机构。在此期间,美国的金融市场经历了放任自流式的大发展。但随着金融市场的不断扩张,放任自流式银行体系的缺点也越来越多地暴露出来,银行挤兑造成市场崩溃的情况经常发生。美国在1873年、1884年、1890年、1893年、1907年都发生过由于挤兑造成银行大规模倒闭的金融危机。尤其是在1893年的危机中,美国有超过500家银行相继倒闭,很多人的毕生积蓄可以说一夜之间付诸东流。金融危机不仅给个人和家庭造成巨大的财富损失,整个美国经济也由于金融业无法正常运转而陷入了长时间停滞。1893年的金融危机给美国带来了空前严重的经济衰退。沉寂了10年之后,金融危机于1907年在美国再度爆发。危机爆发的导火索是股票市场上一些投机者试图操纵美国联合铜业公司(United Copper Company)的股票,但没有成功。贷款给这些投机者的银行和信托投资公司因此损失惨重。1907年10月,纽约第三大信托投资公司可尼克波克(Knickerbocker Trust Company)被迫宣布破产。和2008年雷曼兄弟破产类似,当年可尼克波克的破产引发了一场席卷美国的金融海啸。存款者人人自危,纷纷从银行等金融机构提款以避免损失。由于金融恐慌,银行间也失去信任,相互间的借贷完全冻结,并发生挤兑。这种银行挤兑很快从纽约蔓延到全国各地,一场类似1893年金融危机的市场崩溃即将发生。当时,美国著名金融公司摩根大通(J.P. Morgan)的创始人摩根意识到了问题的严重性,并立刻召集最重要的几家金融公司的总裁开会,要求大家一起拿出资金帮助面临挤兑的银行。而摩根自己也身先士卒,拿出资金帮助金融市场渡过危机。从一定程度上讲,摩根当时扮演的角色正类似于2008年拯救金融市场的美联储。联邦储备法案频繁爆发的金融危机让公众逐渐意识到,放任自流式的金融市场存在很大问题。支持成立一个机构对金融市场进行适当监管的呼声逐渐高起来。1907年的金融危机结束后,美国参议员尼尔森·奥尔德里奇(Nelson Aldrich)组织了一个委员会,专门负责调查金融危机的成因以及教训。在1907年的危机中,尽管仍有将近100家银行因为挤兑倒闭,但与1893年500多家银行倒闭相比,算是一个不错的结局。摩根带领其他金融机构挺身而出,为遭受挤兑的银行提供流动资金是1907年危机成功化解的一个重要因素。但这种依赖金融市场上某个人的能力解决危机的方式存在很多不确定性,最好用法律形式赋予某个机构稳定金融市场的职能来缓解危机。因此奥尔德里奇花了将近两年时间考察欧洲国家的中央银行,并对欧美金融市场进行了系统的比较分析。随后他起草了被称为《奥尔德里奇计划》的提案,主张美国应该模仿欧洲国家成立一个统一的中央银行。今后再发生类似1907年的金融危机时,该中央银行可以向被挤兑的银行提供紧急贷款,以此稳定金融市场信心。但《奥尔德里奇计划》受到议会很多成员的强烈反对。作为共和党的主要成员,奥尔德里奇非常担心联邦政府权力过大,因此不愿意成立一个新的联邦政府机构来执行中央银行的职能。《奥尔德里奇计划》中的中央银行的各种角色完全由私人银行扮演,而不像欧洲国家的中央银行属于政府机构。这种设置方式从一定程度上也是受到了美国第一银行和第二银行的影响。《奥尔德里奇计划》的反对者主要来自美国中西部的农业州。这些从事传统农业的人们一方面担心银行业过于强大后会绑架整个经济,另一方面这些州的低收入者认为该法案主要服务于东部商业发达地区的富人,而不是美国大众。奥尔德里奇本人和摩根大通的创始人摩根关系非常密切,同时女儿又嫁给了美国超级富翁洛克菲勒唯一的儿子小洛克菲勒。这种和超级富豪家庭千丝万缕的关系,让奥尔德里奇对这些指责有口难辩。民主党人威尔逊于1912年当选美国总统。他的当选险些彻底扼杀《奥尔德里奇计划》和再次提出建立中央银行的设想。好在威尔逊总统认为《奥尔德里奇计划》虽然是共和党提出的,但其整体框架存在很多优点。如果认真修改后实施,会对美国的金融市场有很大促进作用。因此,在威尔逊总统的支持下,参议员欧文和众议员格拉斯以《奥尔德里奇计划》为蓝本,在1913年起草了《联邦储备法案》。《联邦储备法案》中对美联储的机构设置与《奥尔德里奇计划》非常相似,但加强了美国联邦政府在美联储中的影响。最初的《奥尔德里奇计划》把美联储完全定性为一个私人机构,而《联邦储备法案》把华盛顿的联邦储备局定性为联邦政府机构,尽管美联储的12个联邦储备银行被定性为更接近于私人部门的非营利性机构。1913年美国国会最终达成一致意见,通过了《联邦储备法案》。威尔逊总统签署了该法案,正式宣告美联储成立。美联储由在华盛顿的联邦储备局和分布美国各地区的12 个联邦储备银行组成。美联储主要的货币政策由联邦储备局委员和联邦储备银行的主席共同参与制定。以避免政策决策权过于集中在少数几个地区(如华盛顿和纽约)。美国第一银行和第二银行当初因不被大众接受而最后被迫关闭,其中一个重要原因就是这两个银行都位于美国东北部的费城,被很多人认为主要服务于东北部的一些富豪商人,而不是所有美国人。美联储在成立时认真吸取了这个教训。在组织形式上,美联储采用的是联邦政府机构加非营利性机构的双重组织结构,从而避免了货币政策完全集中在联邦政府手里。美联储把12个联邦储备银行设立成非营利机构而非政府机构的一个初衷就是希望制定货币政策时能同时考虑政府和私营部门的声音。虽然位于华盛顿的联邦储备局是美国联邦政府的一部分,但12家联邦储备银行不属于联邦政府机构,而是非营利性私营组织。但需要强调,联邦储备银行不同于一般的私营组织。联邦储备银行并不以营利为目的,而与联邦储备局一起承担美国中央银行的公共职能。12个联邦储备银行的总部分别位于波士顿(Boston)、纽约(New York)、费城(Philadelphia)、克里夫兰(Cleve-land)、里士满(Richmond)、亚特兰大(Atlanta)、芝加哥(Chicago)、圣路易斯(St. Louis)、明尼阿波利斯(Min-neapolis)、堪萨斯城(Kansas City)、达拉斯(Dallas)和旧金山(San Francisco)。而每个联邦储备银行在辖区内又设有分支机构(branches)。比如达拉斯联储总部在达拉斯,但同时在休斯敦、圣安东尼奥和艾尔帕所设有分部。下图显示了12个联邦储备银行的总部和各自管理的辖区。由于每个联邦储备银行管理一个大区,这些银行往往被简称为地区联储。很显然,多数联邦储备银行分布在美国的东北部地区。这主要是由于美联储1913年成立时,美国的经济重心主要集中于东北部。每一个联邦储备银行的代号由一个英文字母和一个数字组成。比如波士顿联储是第一个成立的联邦储备银行,代号为1A。第二个成立的是纽约联储,代号是2B,依此类推。达拉斯联储是第11个成立的,因此代号为11K。在1美元的钞票上,印着不同联邦储备银行的名称和代号,表明这些1美元纸钞是从哪个地区流向市场的。美国所有吸收储户存款的金融机构在美联储都有一个储备金账户(Re-serve Account)。这些金融机构除了美联储的会员银行外,还包括信用社(Credit Union)、存贷款协会(Sav-ings and Loan Association)、外国银行在美国的分支机构等。美联储要求所有在美国吸收储户存款的金融机构都必须存一部分资金在美联储应付储户突然的提款需要。这个资金账户被称为储备金账户。根据美联储的要求,每个机构的储备金账户余额不能低于它所吸纳的短期存款的一定比例。这个比例被称为储备金率或存款准备金率(Reserve Requirement Ratio)。如果某个金融机构的储备金低于要求,必须想办法筹集资金补足。相反,如果储备金高于美联储要求,多余的部分被称为超额储备金,可以随时取走。正常情况下,储备金不足的银行可以向有超额储备金的银行短期贷款,补足储备金。市场上这种金融机构间为满足储备金要求而进行的短期贷款利率被称为联邦基金利率。美联储通过公开市场操作来影响联邦基金利率。公开市场操作是指美联储通过买卖债券向市场投放或者收回货币的行为。比如美联储买入债券时,付给对方美元,就增加了市场中美元的供应;反之,美联储卖出债券时,就从市场收回了美元。这种操作被称为公开市场操作,因为市场上所有达到要求的金融机构都可以申请和美联储进行交易。公开市场委员会设定联邦基金利率目标后,美联储通过公开市场操作改变市场上货币的发行量,实现预先设定的目标利率。例如,市场上的联邦基金利率是2.5%,而公开市场委员会决定把利率提高到2.75%。为实现这个目标,美联储在公开市场上卖出债券,收回货币。这时金融机构持有的货币减少,超额储备金降低,银行间储备金的贷款利率上升。(通俗地说,就是市场上流通的现金少了,引起利率上升。)美联储进行这种操作,直到联邦基金利率达到2.75%的目标利率。如果美联储希望降低联邦基金利率,反向操作(买入债券,放出货币)就可以了。出于风险和市场容量的考虑,正常情况下,美联储在公开市场操作中买卖的债券主要是短期政府国债。美联储通过调节联邦基金利率这种短期利率,可以在金融市场上引起一系列的连锁反应。联邦基金利率的变化会直接影响其他短期利率(比如短期国债利率、商业票据利率等),然后进一步改变长期利率(如住房贷款利率、汽车贷款利率、长期企业债券利率等)。长期利率变化会影响家庭消费和企业投资:利率下降时,企业投资和家庭消费的成本降低,促进投资和消费增长。因此在经济衰退时,美联储通过降低利率来支持经济增长;反之经济过热时,美联储会提高利率抑制投资和消费。另外,美联储的利率政策也可以通过资产价格影响经济。比如利率降低时,投资到债券的收益下降。在其他条件不变的情况下,资金会从债券市场流向股票和其他资产市场,推高这些资产的价格。因此经济下滑时,美联储降低利率会对经济产生两个推动作用:首先,降低利率可以促进国内的投资和消费;其次,低利率也对股票和房地产等资产价格有支撑作用,提高家庭财富,鼓励家庭消费。此外,利率变化还会引起美元汇率变化,影响美国的进出口。发布于 2020-11-27 22:05美国联邦储备系统(美联储)货币政策中央银行赞同 6添加评论分享喜欢收藏申请
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Federal Reserve System | Definition, History, Functions, & Facts | Britannica Money
ral Reserve System | Definition, History, Functions, & Facts | Britannica MoneyHistory & SocietyScience & TechBiographiesAnimals & NatureGeography & TravelArts & CultureGames & QuizzesVideosOn This DayOne Good FactDictionaryLifestyles & Social IssuesPhilosophy & ReligionPolitics, Law & GovernmentWorld HistoryHealth & MedicineScienceTechnologyBrowse BiographiesBirds, Reptiles & Other VertebratesBugs, Mollusks & Other InvertebratesEnvironmentFossils & Geologic TimeMammalsPlantsGeography & TravelEntertainment & Pop CultureLiteratureSports & RecreationVisual ArtsCompanionsDemystifiedImage GalleriesInfographicsListsPodcastsSpotlightSummariesThe ForumTop Questions#WTFact100 WomenBritannica KidsSaving EarthSpace Next 50Student CenterSubscribe NowMoney HomeHousehold FinanceInvestingRetirementHistory & TheoryTable of ContentsExternal WebsitesTable Of ContentsHistory & TheoryFederal Reserve SystemUnited States bankingWritten and fact-checked byThe Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThe Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.Updated: Mar. 07, 2024Table of ContentsExternal WebsitesTable Of ContentsOpen full sized imageMarriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building, Washington, D.C.©Adam Parent/Shutterstock.com Date:December 23, 1913 - present Areas Of Involvement:federal funds rateopen-market operationmoney supplydiscount ratereserve Related People:Alan GreenspanPaul VolckerBen BernankeJanet YellenArthur F. BurnsRecent NewsMar. 7, 2024, 4:31 AM ET(AP)Stock market today: Global shares mostly decline after Wall Street recoversMar. 7, 2024, 12:25 AM ET(AP)Europe's inflation is way down. But hope is gone for a quick interest rate cutShow MoreFederal Reserve System, central banking authority of the United States. It acts as a fiscal agent for the U.S. government, is custodian of the reserve accounts of commercial banks, makes loans to commercial banks, and oversees the supply of currency, including coin, in coordination with the U.S. Mint. The system was created by the Federal Reserve Act, which President Woodrow Wilson signed into law on December 23, 1913. It consists of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the 12 Federal Reserve banks, the Federal Open Market Committee, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which was authorized in 2010 by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the CFPB assumed some functions of the former Consumer Advisory Council, which existed from 1976 to 2011). There are several thousand member banks.(Read Milton Friedman’s Britannica entry on money.)The seven-member Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determines the reserve requirements of the member banks within statutory limits, reviews and determines the discount rates established by the 12 Federal Reserve banks, and reviews the budgets of the reserve banks. The Chairman of the Board of Governors is appointed to a four-year term by the president of the United States.Britannica QuizUnited States of America QuizLearn more about how inflation functions in the economy.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.A Federal Reserve bank is a privately owned corporation established pursuant to the Federal Reserve Act to serve the public interest; it is governed by a board of nine directors, six of whom are elected by the member banks and three of whom are appointed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The 12 Federal Reserve banks are located in Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Cleveland; Dallas; Kansas City, Missouri; Minneapolis, Minnesota; New York City; Philadelphia; Richmond, Virginia; St. Louis, Missouri; and San Francisco.The 12-member Federal Open Market Committee, consisting of the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four members elected by the Federal Reserve banks, is responsible for setting Federal Reserve bank policy to encourage the long-term objectives of price stability (i.e., controlling inflation through the adjustment of interest rates) and maximum sustainable employment. The Federal Advisory Council, whose role is purely advisory, consists of one representative from each of the 12 Federal Reserve districts.The Federal Reserve System exercises its regulatory powers in several ways, the most important of which may be classified as instruments of direct or indirect control. One form of direct control can be exercised by adjusting the legal reserve ratio—i.e., the proportion of its deposits that a member bank must hold in its reserve account—thus increasing or reducing the amount of new loans that the commercial banks can make. Because loans give rise to new deposits, the potential money supply is, in this way, expanded or reduced.The money supply may also be influenced through manipulation of the discount rate, which is the rate of interest charged by Federal Reserve banks on short-term secured loans to member banks. Since these loans are typically sought by banks to maintain reserves at their required level, an increase in the cost of such loans has an effect similar to that of increasing the reserve requirement.The classic method of indirect control is through open-market operations, first widely used in the 1920s and now employed daily to make small adjustments in the market. Federal Reserve bank sales or purchases of securities on the open market tend to reduce or increase the size of commercial-bank reserves; e.g., when the Federal Reserve sells securities, the purchasers pay for them with checks drawn on their deposits, thereby reducing the reserves of the banks on which the checks are drawn.The three instruments of control described here have been conceded to be more effective in preventing inflation in times of high economic activity than in bringing about revival from a period of depression. A supplemental control occasionally used by the Federal Reserve Board is that of changing the margin requirements involved in the purchase of securities.The Federal Reserve has broad supervisory and regulatory authority over state-chartered banks and bank holding companies, as well as foreign banks operating in the United States. Through the CFPB, it is also involved in maintaining the credit rights of consumers. One of the longest chairmanships of the Federal Reserve Board was held by Alan Greenspan, who took office in August 1987 and held the post until January 2006. In 2014 Janet Yellen became the first woman to chair the board, and she served until 2018.The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Patricia Bauer.Britannica MoneyHousehold FinanceInvestingRetirementHistory & TheoryAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions© 2024 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
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What Is the Federal Reserve System?
Understanding the FRS
Mandate and Duties
Organizational Structure
Independence
FRS vs. FOMC
Special Considerations
FRS FAQs
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What Is the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
The Federal Reserve System (FRS) is the central bank of the United States. Often called the Fed, it is arguably the most influential financial institution in the world. It was founded to provide the country with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial system. The Fed has a board of seven members and 12 Federal Reserve banks, each operating as a separate district with their own presidents.
There is a common misconception that the Federal Reserve System is privately owned. In fact, it combines public and private characteristics: The central governing board of the FRS is an agency of the federal government and reports to Congress. The Federal Reserve Banks that it oversees are set up like private corporations.
Key Takeaways
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank and monetary authority of the United States.
The Fed works to provide the country with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial system.
The Federal Reserve System is composed of a board of seven members, 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Open Market Committee.
The Fed's main duties include conducting national monetary policy, supervising and regulating banks, maintaining financial stability, and providing banking services.
There is a common misconception that the Federal Reserve System is privately owned; while its Board of Governors is a government agency, the regional Federal Reserve Banks are set up like private corporations.
Understanding the Federal Reserve System (FRS)
A central bank is a financial institution given privileged control over the production and distribution of money and credit for a nation, union, or group of countries. In modern economies, the central bank is usually responsible for formulating monetary policy and regulating member banks. The Fed is composed of 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks that are each responsible for a specific geographic area of the U.S.
The Fed was established by the Federal Reserve Act, which was signed by President Woodrow Wilson on Dec. 23, 1913, in response to the financial panic of 1907. Before that, the U.S. was the only major financial power without a central bank. Its creation was precipitated by repeated financial panics that afflicted the U.S. economy over the previous century, leading to severe economic disruptions due to bank failures and business bankruptcies. A crisis in 1907 led to calls for an institution that would prevent panics and disruptions.
The Fed has broad power to act to ensure financial stability, and it is the primary regulator of banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System. It also serves as the lender of last resort to member institutions. Often referred to simply as the Fed, it has what is often called its "dual mandate" of ensuring price stability and maximum employment.
The system's 12 regional Federal Banks are based in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco.
Fed System Banks.
The Federal Reserve System's Mandate and Duties
The monetary policy goals of the Federal Reserve are twofold: to foster economic conditions that achieve stable prices and maximum sustainable employment.
The Fed's duties can be further categorized into four general areas:
Conducting national monetary policy by influencing monetary and credit conditions in the U.S. economy to ensure maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.
Supervising and regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety of the U.S. banking and financial system and to protect consumers' credit rights.
Maintaining financial system stability and containing systemic risk.
Providing financial services, including a pivotal role in operating the national payments system, depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions.
Image by Sabrina Jiang © Investopedia 2020
The Federal Reserve System's Organizational Structure
There are seven members of the Board of Governors. These individuals are nominated by the President and approved by the U.S. Senate. Each governor serves a maximum of 14 years. Their appointment is staggered by two years, which is intended to limit the political influences it might be subjected to when control of appointments shifts to different political parties during elections. The law also dictates that appointments represent all broad sectors of the U.S. economy.
At times, there may be an empty seat on the board, but as of October 2023, all board positions are occupied.
Fed Governors (as of October 2023)
Chair
Jerome H. Powell
Vice Chair
Philip N. Jefferson
Vice Chair of Supervision
Michael S. Barr
Board Member
Michelle W. Bowman
Board Member
Lisa D. Cook
Board Member
Adriana D. Kugler
Board Member
Christopher J. Waller
Source: Federal Reserve
In addition to the governors of the Fed's board, each of the 12 regional banks has a president. Each of these banks is set up in a different Federal Reserve district.
Fed Regional Bank Presidents (as of October 2023)
Name of President
Bank Location-District
Susan M. Collins
Boston-1
John C. Williams
New York-2
Patrick T. Harker
Philadelphia-3
Loretta J. Mester
Cleveland-4
Thomas I. Barkin
Richmond-5
Raphael W. Bostic
Atlanta-6
Austan Goolsbee
Chicago-7
Kathleen O’Neill Paese
St. Louis-8
Neel Kashkari
Minneapolis-9
Jeffrey R. Schmid
Kansas City-10
Lorie K. Logan
Dallas-11
Mary C. Daly
San Francisco-12
Source: Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve System's Independence
Central bank independence refers to the question of whether the overseers of monetary policy should be completely disconnected from the realm of government. Those who favor independence recognize the influence of politics in promoting monetary policy that can favor re-election in the near term but cause lasting economic damage down the road. Critics say that the central bank and government must tightly coordinate their policies and that central banks must have regulatory oversight.
The Fed is also considered independent because its decisions do not have to be ratified by the president or any other government official. However, it is still subject to congressional oversight and must work within the framework of the government's monetary and fiscal policy objectives.
The Fed is considered to be independent because its decisions do not have to be ratified.
The Federal Reserve System (FRS) vs. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Reserve System is composed of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Federal Reserve Banks, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all the programs created by the Fed as a whole to accomplish its dual mandate.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the Federal Reserve's main monetary policymaking body. It is responsible for open market operations, which is buying and selling government securities to influence the amount of money banks keep in reserve.
The FOMC includes the Board of Governors (or the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) as it's also called), the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the presidents of four other regional Federal Reserve Banks who serve on a rotating basis.
The committee is responsible for monetary policy decisions, which are categorized into three areas: maximizing employment, stabilizing prices, and moderating long-term interest rates.
Special Considerations
The Fed's main income source is interest charges on a range of U.S. government securities acquired through its open market operations (OMO). Other income sources include interest on foreign currency investments, interest on loans to depository institutions, and fees for services—such as check clearing and fund transfers—provided to these institutions. After paying expenses, the Fed transfers the rest of its earnings to the U.S. Treasury.
The Federal Reserve payments system, commonly known as the Fedwire, moves trillions of dollars daily between banks throughout the U.S. Transactions are for same-day settlement. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the Fed has paid increased attention to the risk created by the time lag between when payments are made early in the day and when they are settled and reconciled. The Fed is pressuring large financial institutions to improve real-time monitoring of payments and credit risk, which has been available only on an end-of-day basis.
The Fed has developed a payment system it calls FedNow, which is designed to take the place of the traditional and slower settlement systems. FedNow was launched in July 2023.
Who Owns the Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve System is not owned by anyone. It was created in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act to serve as the nation's central bank. The Board of Governors is an agency of the federal government and reports to and is directly accountable to Congress.
What Does It Mean That the Federal Reserve Is a Central Bank?
A central bank is a financial institution responsible for overseeing a nation's monetary system and policies. A central bank monitors economic changes, controls the money supply, and sets interest rates to influence price stability and employment.
Does the Fed Print U.S. Money?
Money is printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The Federal Reserve controls the amount of money circulating by implementing monetary policy. You may also hear that the Fed "prints" or creates money through its operations. However, this is untrue. Depository institutions and lenders are the ones who "print" money through fractional reserve banking.
How Does the Fed Set Interest Rates?
The Federal Reserve sets the rate for its Overnight Reverse Repurchase (ON RREP) Agreement Facility, where it buys and sells securities. This rate helps set the bottom number for the rate range. It also pays Interest on Reserve Balances (IORB), the rate of which helps set the top number for the range. The Fed also uses the rate at its discount window and open market operations to help establish interest rates that it believes will influence the economy to produce an average inflation rate of 2% over the long run.
Does the Fed Collect Taxes?
No. The Fed is responsible only for monetary policy and banking system oversight. Federal taxes are approved and collected exclusively by Congress—via the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a federal agency)—which is an instance of fiscal policy. State and local taxes are collected by individual states or municipalities.
The Bottom Line
The Federal Reserve System is the central banking system of the United States. The Fed uses the system and the tools it has to set interest rates and regulate the money supply to accomplish its mandate of price stability and maximum employment.
Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our
editorial policy.
Federal Reserve Board. "About the Fed."
Federal Reserve Board. "Board Members."
Federal Reserve Board. "Structure of the Federal Reserve System."
United States Senate. "The Senate Passes the Federal Reserve Act."
Federal Reserve History. "Federal Reserve Act Signed into Law."
Federal Reserve Board. "The Fed Explained: What the Central Bank Does."
Federal Reserve Board. "The Twelve Federal Reserve Districts."
Federal Reserve Board. "What Economic Goals Does the Federal Reserve Seek to Achieve Through Its Monetary Policy?"
Federal Reserve Board. "Who Are the Members of the Federal Reserve Board, and How Are They Selected?"
Federal Reserve System. “Board of Governors Members, 1914-Present.”
Federal Reserve Board. "About the FOMC."
Federal Reserve Board. "Monetary Policy Principles and Practice."
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. "The Federal Reserve's Dual Mandate."
Federal Reserve Board. "What Does It Mean That the Federal Reserve Is "Independent Within the Government?"
Federal Reserve Board. "Finance and Economics Discussion Series: Fedwire Funds Service: Payments, Balances, and Available Liquidity."
Federal Reserve Board. "Fedwire Funds Services."
Federal Reserve Bank Services. "About the FedNow Services."
Federal Reserve Board. "Who Owns the Federal Reserve?"
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing. "The Buck Starts Here: How Money is Made."
International Monetary Fund. "Banks: At the Heart of the Matter."
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. "How the Fed Implements Monetary Policy With Its Tools."
Internal Revenue Service. "Tax Code, Regulations, and Official Guidance."
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Part Of
Understanding the Role of the Fed
Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
1 of 23
What Central Banks Do
2 of 23
How Central Banks Affect Interest Rates
3 of 23
Financial Regulators: Who They Are and What They Do
4 of 23
Who Determines Interest Rates?
5 of 23
Monetary Policy vs. Fiscal Policy: What's the Difference?
6 of 23
1913 Federal Reserve Act: Definition and Why It's Important
7 of 23
How the Federal Reserve Was Formed
8 of 23
Federal Reserve Board (FRB): How It Works, Structure, and Duties
9 of 23
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC): What It Is and Does
10 of 23
Why Is the Federal Reserve Independent?
11 of 23
What Do the Federal Reserve Banks Do?
12 of 23
The Federal Reserve Chairman's Responsibilities
13 of 23
Understanding How the Federal Reserve Creates Money
14 of 23
Understanding the Federal Reserve Balance Sheet
15 of 23
Reserve Requirements: Definition, History, and Example
16 of 23
What Is the Reserve Ratio, and How Is It Calculated?
17 of 23
How Interest Rate Cuts Affect Consumers
18 of 23
How Moves in the Fed Funds Rate Affect the U.S. Dollar
19 of 23
What Are Open Market Operations (OMOs), and How Do They Work?
20 of 23
Tight Monetary Policy: Definition, How It Works, and Benefits
21 of 23
Expansionary Fiscal Policy: Risks and Examples
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Taylor Rule Definition
23 of 23
Related Terms
Federal Reserve Board (FRB): How It Works, Structure, and Duties
The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) is the governing body of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. central bank in charge of making monetary policy
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Federal Reserve System (FRS): Functions and History
The Federal Reserve System, commonly known as the Fed, is the central bank of the U.S., which regulates the U.S. monetary and financial system.
more
Wage-Price Spiral: What It Is and How It’s Controlled
A wage-price spiral is a macroeconomic theory that explains the cause-and-effect relationship between rising wages and rising prices, or inflation.
more
Monetary Policy Meaning, Types, and Tools
Monetary policy is a set of actions available to a nation's central bank to achieve sustainable economic growth by adjusting the money supply.
more
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC): What It Is and Does
The Federal Open Market Committee is the branch of the Federal Reserve System that determines the direction of monetary policy.
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Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is responsible for the third district of the United States Federal Reserve System.
more
Related Articles
Federal Reserve Board (FRB): How It Works, Structure, and Duties
Why Is the Federal Reserve Independent?
Federal Reserve System (FRS): Functions and History
The Federal Reserve: A Century of U.S. Monetary Evolution
Next Fed Meeting: When It Is in March and What To Expect
Breaking Down the Federal Reserve's Dual Mandate
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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
What Is the Fed?
Understanding the Fed
Fed Payments
History of the Fed
Fed vs. FOMC
FAQs
The Bottom Line
Monetary Policy
Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve System (FRS): Functions and History
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What Is the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
The term Federal Reserve System (FRS) refers to the central bank of the U.S. The Fed, as it is commonly known, regulates the U.S. monetary and financial system. The Federal Reserve System is composed of a central governmental agency in Washington, D.C., the Board of Governors, and 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks in major cities throughout the U.S. The Fed's central role is to handle the country's monetary policy, among other things.
Key Takeaways
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States.Its key functions include handling the country's monetary policy and regulating banks, among other things.The Federal Reserve payments system, known as the Fedwire, moves trillions of dollars daily between banks.The Federal Open Market Committee is the Fed's monetary policy-making body and manages the country's money supply.The FOMC adjusts the target for the overnight federal funds rate, which controls short-term interest rates, based on its view of the economy.
Understanding the Federal Reserve System (FRS)
The Federal Reserve System is the central banking system of the United States. It is a major force in the country's economy and banking industry. The bank is headed by the governor and has a board with six other members. These individuals are nominated by the president and are then confirmed by the Senate.
The Fed performs five general functions:
Conducting the nation's monetary policy
Regulating banking institutions
Monitoring and protecting the credit rights of consumers
Maintaining the stability of the financial system
Providing financial services to the U.S. government
The Fed also operates three wholesale payment systems, including the Fedwire Funds Service, the Fedwire Securities Service, and the National Settlement Service.
The Fed has broad power to act to ensure financial stability, and it is the primary regulator of banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System. It acts as the lender of last resort to member institutions who have no place else to borrow.
The Fed's open-mouth operations are known to publicly declare the current interest rate. Banks in the U.S. are also subject to regulations established by the states, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (if they are members), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Jerome Powell was sworn in as Fed chair on Feb. 5, 2018, for a four-year term. He was reappointed for a second four-year term on May 23, 2022.
Fed Payments
The Fed uses two payment systems: Fedwire and FedNow. The FedNow service allows for instant payments. As the Fed describes, "payments that can be sent and received within seconds at any time of the day, on any day of the year, such that the receiver can use the funds almost instantly."
Fedwire is a payment service for financial institutions that hold an account with the Fed. According to the Fed, it is a "real-time gross settlement system that enables participants to initiate funds transfer that are immediate, final, and irrevocable once processed." It is used to make large-value, time-critical payments.
History of the FRS
The Fed was established by the Federal Reserve Act, which was signed by President Woodrow Wilson on Dec. 23, 1913, in response to the financial panic of 1907. Before that, the U.S. was the only major financial power without a central bank.
The following are some key highlights in the Fed's history:
When the Federal Reserve Act was established, it required commercial banks to hold reserves at their local Reserve Bank. Banks were able to borrow additional funds if and when needed by approaching the discount window. The discount window is the lending facility that helps commercial banks meet their short-term liquidity needs.
The Fed went through several changes in its early years. For instance, there were changes made to the way it works after the Great Depression. The Fed's board received more power (which was shifted from the 12 Reserve Banks) with the passing of the Banking Acts of 1933 and 1935.
Similarly, the Federal Reserve Reform Act, which was established in 1977, required the central bank to report to Congress with its goal of achieving maximum employment and reaching its inflationary targets.
The Federal Reserve attempts to reach a target rate of inflation of 2%.
Federal Reserve System (FRS) vs. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the Fed's monetary policy-making body and manages the country's money supply. It is made up of the seven members of the Fed's board of governors, the president of the New York Fed, and four of the remaining 11 regional Fed presidents, who serve one-year terms on a rotating basis. The FOMC meets eight times a year and additionally on an as-needed basis to discuss the outlook for the national economy and review options for its monetary policy.
The FOMC adjusts the target for the overnight federal funds rate, which controls short-term interest rates, at its meetings based on its view of the strength of the economy. When it wants to stimulate the economy, it reduces the target rate. Conversely, it raises the federal funds rate to slow the economy.
Here's a history of how the target rate has moved in recent years:
The target rate was lowered to 0.25% in response to the recession in 2008 and stayed there for seven years.On Dec. 16, 2015, the Fed raised the target rate to a range of 0.25% to 0.5%—the first rate hike in almost 10 years.The FOMC increased the rate all the way to the range of 2.0% to 2.25% starting Aug. 1, 2019.The rate fell drastically to the 0% to 0.25% range when the Fed announced the change on March 16, 2020. The Fed cited issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.Since then, primarily to combat high inflation, the rate has increased dramatically. The FOMC began increasing rates in 2022 and continued to do so through 2023, all the way to the range of 5.25% to 5.5%, which was the last increase, set at the FOMC meeting in July 2023.Subsequent FOMC meetings have kept rates at the same level, which the FOMC confirmed at the last meeting on Jan. 31, 2024.
What Are the 3 Main Purposes of the Federal Reserve System?
The three main purposes of the Federal Reserve System are:Maximum employmentStable pricesModerate long-term interest ratesThese goals were laid out in the Federal Reserve Act that created the Federal Reserve System.
Who Controls the Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States and is managed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. The board is based in Washington D.C. and is made up of seven members who are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Who Controls Monetary Policy?
Monetary policy is controlled by a central bank, in the United States, this is the Federal Reserve. A central bank controls open market operations, reserve requirements, and the discount window/rate. A country's government is responsible for fiscal policy, such as setting taxes.
The Bottom Line
The Federal Reserve System (FRS) refers to the central bank of the United States. The Fed, as it is commonly known, sets the monetary policy of the United States. Its responsibilities also include regulating banking institutions, monitoring and protecting the credit rights of consumers, maintaining the stability of the financial system, and providing financial services to the U.S. government.
Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our
editorial policy.
Federal Reserve Board. "Structure of the Federal Reserve System."
Federal Reserve Board. "Board Members."
Federal Reserve Board. "About the Fed."
Federal Reserve Board. "Annual Report: Payment System and Reserve Bank Oversight."
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. "Operations & Resiliency."
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. "Open Mouth Operations."
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. "Education: Are All Commercial Banks Regulated and Supervised by the Federal Reserve System, or Just Major Commercial Banks?"
Federal Reserve Board. "Jerome H. Powell, Chair."
Federal Reserve Board. "Fedwire Fund Services."
Federal Reserve Board. "FedNow Service. Frequently Asked Questions."
Federal Reserve History. "Federal Reserve Act Signed into Law."
Federal Reserve History. "Overview: The History of the Federal Reserve."
Federal Reserve Board. "FAQs: Why Does the Federal Reserve Aim for Inflation of 2 Percent Over the Longer Run?"
Federal Reserve Board. "Federal Open Market Committee: About the FOMC."
Federal Reserve Board. "Policy Tools: Open Market Operations."
Federal Reserve History. "The Great Recession."
Federal Reserve Board. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement, December 16, 2015."
Federal Reserve Board. "March 16, 2022, Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."
Federal Reserve Board. "Open Market Operations."
Federal Reserve Board. "July 26, 2023 Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."
Federal Reserve Board. "Jan. 31, 2024, Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."
Federal Reserve Board. "Conducting Monetary Policy," Page 1.
Federal Reserve Board. "Structure of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Board."
Part Of
How The Fed’s Interest Rates Affect Consumers
The Impact of Interest Rate Changes by the Federal Reserve
1 of 30
What Is a Central Bank, and Does the U.S. Have One?
2 of 30
Federal Reserve System (FRS): Functions and History
3 of 30
U.S. Treasury vs. Federal Reserve: What’s the Difference?
4 of 30
Prime Rate vs. Discount Rate: What's the Difference?
5 of 30
The Fed's Tools for Influencing the Economy
6 of 30
Federal Funds Rate: What It Is, How It's Determined, and Why It's Important
7 of 30
Forces That Cause Changes in Interest Rates
8 of 30
What Happens If Interest Rates Increase Too Quickly?
9 of 30
Do Lower Interest Rates Increase Investment Spending?
10 of 30
How Does Money Supply Affect Interest Rates?
11 of 30
Interest Rates Explained: Nominal, Real, and Effective
12 of 30
How Negative Interest Rates Work
13 of 30
Monetary Policy Meaning, Types, and Tools
14 of 30
How the Federal Reserve Manages Money Supply
15 of 30
What Is Quantitative Easing (QE), and How Does It Work?
16 of 30
Fiscal Policy vs. Monetary Policy: Pros and Cons
17 of 30
How the Federal Reserve Devises Monetary Policy
18 of 30
How to Prepare for Rising Interest Rates
19 of 30
How to Invest for Rising Interest Rates
20 of 30
How Are Money Market Interest Rates Determined?
21 of 30
Open Market Operations vs. Quantitative Easing: What’s the Difference?
22 of 30
Interest Rate Risk Between Long-Term and Short-Term Bonds
23 of 30
How Higher Interest Rates Impact Your 401(k)
24 of 30
How Interest Rates Affect the U.S. Markets
25 of 30
Average Credit Card Interest Rates - February 2024: Rates Remain Steady
26 of 30
The Most Important Factors Affecting Mortgage Rates
27 of 30
How Interest Rates Work on Car Loans
28 of 30
These Sectors Benefit From Rising Interest Rates
29 of 30
How Banks Set Interest Rates on Your Loans
30 of 30
Related Terms
Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States and provides the nation with a safe, flexible, and stable financial system.
more
Federal Reserve Board (FRB): How It Works, Structure, and Duties
The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) is the governing body of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. central bank in charge of making monetary policy
more
Federal Funds Rate: What It Is, How It's Determined, and Why It's Important
The federal funds rate is the target interest rate set by the Fed at which commercial banks borrow and lend their extra reserves to one another overnight.
more
Open Mouth Operations
Open mouth operations are speculative statements made by the Federal Reserve to influence interest rates and inflation.
more
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC): What It Is and Does
The Federal Open Market Committee is the branch of the Federal Reserve System that determines the direction of monetary policy.
more
Wage-Price Spiral: What It Is and How It’s Controlled
A wage-price spiral is a macroeconomic theory that explains the cause-and-effect relationship between rising wages and rising prices, or inflation.
more
Related Articles
Federal Reserve System: What It Is and How It Works
Why Is the Federal Reserve Independent?
The Federal Reserve: A Century of U.S. Monetary Evolution
Federal Reserve Board (FRB): How It Works, Structure, and Duties
Breaking Down the Federal Reserve's Dual Mandate
Next Fed Meeting: When It Is in March and What To Expect
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