Question

Suppose you examine the central bank’s balance sheet and observe that since the previous day, reserves had fallen by $100 million. In addition, on the asset side of the central bank’s balance sheet, securities had fallen by $100 million. Do you think the central bank was aiming to increase, decrease, or maintain the size of the money supply by carrying out the changes described to its balance sheet

Answer 1

The Central Bank is trying to increase money supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the Central Bank makes moves to increase reserves, it means that it is simply trying to mop up excess cash from the economy to fight inflation. Spiking inflation means that the power of a currency is gradually being eroded. The Central Bank cannot allow this to happen so it hits the "Reduce Money In Circulation" button. It does this by reviewing upwards, the money reserves which commercial banks must hold with the Central Bank.

It can also increase the rate at which it lends to the Commercial Banks and Investment houses. Commercial Banks, in turn, transfer the additional cost of borrowing to businesses who will seek loans. This slows down the rate at which money is pumped into the economy.

In the question, however, we notice that the Central Bank has enervated its reserves. This means that it is pumping more money into the economy. This economic move may have been executed to prevent the economy from slipping into a recession or simply to stimulate the economy.

In the short run, increased money supply means, businesses have more access to funds from commercial banks. More funds mean, more investment. Increased investment spending means the businesses will need to expand operations, hire more staff, and the multiplier effect goes on and on.

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