Unit 3: Macroeconomic Policy

Lesson 15a: Monetary Policy - How Banks Create Money

Key Problem

Money Creation - Single Bank and Banking System

ASSETS LIABILITIES + NET WORTH

Reserves $ 200 Checkable Deposits $ 600
Loans 100 Stock Shares 700
Securities 500
Property 500

Refer to the above information for a single bank. The required (legal) reserve ratio is 25%. This bank can safely expand its loans by a maximum of:

1. $0
2. $50
3. $100
4. $200

Refer to the above information. The required (legal) reserve ratio is 25%. If the original bank balance sheet was for the commercial banking system, rather than a single bank, loans and deposits could have been expanded by a maximum of:

1. $0
2. $50
3. $100
4. $200

What is your answer to the question above if the Fed lowered the Required Reserve ratio to 20%?

1. $200
2. $250
3. $400
4. $600

 

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Lesson 15a