Question

If a bank decides that it wants to hold​ $1 million of excess​ reserves, what effect will this have on checkable deposits in the banking​ system? Assume that the required reserve ratio on checkable deposits is​ 10% and the​ public's holdings of currency do not change.

Answer 1

checkable deposits will decrease by $10 million

Step-by-step explanation:

the money multiplier = 1 / reserve ratio = 1 / 10% = 10

if the bank decides to hold an extra $1 million in reserves, the effect on the money supply will be = -$1 million x 10 = -$10 million or a $10 million decrease

the money multiplier measures the banks' capacity to "create money" through borrowing, e.g. a person deposits $100 dollar, then the bank borrows $90 to another client, and the second client's money is also used to lend more money to a third client and so on.