Federal Reserve

When the Federal Reserve was created in 1913, the U.S. Congress established three primary objectives for its central bank: maximize employment, stabilize prices, and manage long-term interest rates. The Fed achieves these goals by providing the U.S. with a central monetary policy and regulating U.S. banks. The 12 Federal Reserve Banks act as “banks for the banks.” When the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve changes the federal funds rate, it causes other banks to act accordingly, thereby controlling the flow of money into the economy.

When the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, this immediately raises the cost of short-term borrowing for financial institutions, which is then passed on to consumers. When credit card and mortgage interest rates rise, disposable income falls, which in turn limits inflation and makes the housing market less competitive.

The flow of money in the U.S. economy fluctuates based on the actions of the Federal Reserve. In general, more money flowing through the economy corresponds with lower interest rates, while less money available generates higher rates. The Fed is responsible for limiting inflation. By raising interest rates, it becomes more expensive to lend money, so consumers and businesses hold off on making investments thus cooling demand, which lowers prices.

The Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury are separate entities. The Treasury is responsible for printing money and managing the in and outflow of U.S. currency. The Treasury also houses the U.S. supply of gold and advises the President on economic decisions. The Federal Reserve is responsible for managing the U.S. economy. The Fed, the U.S. central bank, sets interest rates, regulates the nation's private banks, and manages the money supply in order to limit inflation and maximize employment.