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Introduction to the Federal Reserve definitions

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  • Federal Reserve

    Central banking system of the United States, established in 1913 to address financial instability and oversee monetary policy.
  • Central Bank

    Institution responsible for managing a nation's currency, money supply, and banking system stability.
  • Board of Governors

    Seven-member leadership group, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving as the Fed's highest authority.
  • Chairperson

    Leader of the Board of Governors, serving a four-year term and guiding the direction of U.S. monetary policy.
  • Federal Reserve Banks

    Twelve regional institutions, each with its own president and board, overseeing banking operations in their districts.
  • Federal Open Market Committee

    Policy-making body composed of Board members and regional presidents, meeting regularly to set monetary policy.
  • Monetary Policy

    Actions taken to control the money supply and influence economic conditions, mainly through open market operations.
  • Bank Run

    Situation where many depositors withdraw funds simultaneously, often due to fears of bank insolvency.
  • Lender of Last Resort

    Role of providing emergency funds to banks facing liquidity crises to prevent systemic collapse.
  • Discount Loan

    Short-term credit extended by the Fed to banks, typically at the lowest available interest rate.
  • Discount Rate

    Interest charged by the Fed on loans to commercial banks, influencing overall lending rates.
  • Federal Funds Rate

    Interest rate for overnight loans between banks, slightly higher than the discount rate.
  • Open Market Operations

    Buying and selling of government securities by the Fed to adjust the money supply.
  • Reserve Requirement

    Minimum fraction of deposits banks must hold as reserves, set by the Fed to influence lending.
  • Bank Failure

    Event where a bank cannot meet withdrawal demands, often leading to insolvency and loss of public confidence.