#1
What is the primary function of a central bank?
Conducting monetary policy
ExplanationCentral banks primarily conduct monetary policy to regulate money supply and interest rates in an economy.
#2
What is the term for the interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers?
Prime rate
ExplanationThe prime rate is the interest rate commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers, serving as a benchmark for various loans.
#3
In the context of banking, what does the acronym FDIC stand for?
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ExplanationFDIC, or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, provides deposit insurance to protect bank customers against losses.
#4
What is the term for the risk that a borrower might not repay a loan, leading to financial losses for the lender?
Credit risk
ExplanationCredit risk is the risk that a borrower may not repay a loan, resulting in financial losses for the lender.
#5
What is the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in the U.S. banking system?
Providing deposit insurance to banks' customers
ExplanationFDIC provides deposit insurance to protect customers' deposits in case of bank failures, promoting confidence in the banking system.
#6
What does the term 'M0' represent in the context of money supply?
Physical currency in circulation
Explanation'M0' represents the physical currency in circulation as part of the money supply.
#7
In the fractional reserve banking system, what is the reserve requirement?
The percentage of deposits banks must keep as reserves
ExplanationThe reserve requirement is the percentage of deposits that banks are required to keep as reserves, ensuring liquidity and stability.
#8
What is the term for the interest rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight?
Federal funds rate
ExplanationThe federal funds rate is the interest rate at which banks lend to each other overnight, influencing overall interest rates.
#9
What is the function of the Open Market Operations conducted by central banks?
Buying and selling government securities in the open market
ExplanationOpen Market Operations involve central banks buying and selling government securities to influence money supply and interest rates.
#10
What is the role of the Federal Reserve in the United States banking system?
Regulating banks and financial institutions
ExplanationThe Federal Reserve in the U.S. regulates banks and financial institutions to maintain stability and protect consumers.
#11
What is the term for the interest rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks during a financial crisis?
Discount rate
ExplanationThe discount rate is the interest rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks during financial crises.
#12
Which financial institution acts as the 'lender of last resort' in a country's banking system?
Central bank
ExplanationThe central bank acts as the 'lender of last resort,' providing liquidity to financial institutions during crises to prevent systemic failures.
#13
In the context of banking, what does the term 'liquidity' refer to?
The ease of converting assets into cash
ExplanationLiquidity in banking refers to the ease with which assets can be converted into cash, ensuring financial stability.
#14
What is the process of creating money through the lending activities of banks known as?
Fractional reserve banking
ExplanationFractional reserve banking is the process where banks create money by lending more than their reserves, expanding the money supply.
#15
In the context of the banking system, what does the term 'leverage' refer to?
The use of borrowed funds to increase investment returns
ExplanationLeverage in banking refers to using borrowed funds to amplify potential returns on investments, though it also increases risks.
#16
What is the primary tool used by central banks to control the money supply?
Buying and selling government securities
ExplanationCentral banks control the money supply by buying and selling government securities through open market operations.
#17
What is the primary tool used by central banks to control the money supply and interest rates?
Open market operations
ExplanationOpen market operations are the primary tool used by central banks to control both the money supply and interest rates.
#18
What is the term for the difference between a bank's interest income and interest expenses?
Net interest margin
ExplanationNet interest margin is the difference between a bank's interest income and interest expenses, indicating profitability.
#19
What is the purpose of the Basel III framework in the banking industry?
Strengthening bank capital requirements
ExplanationBasel III aims to strengthen bank capital requirements, ensuring financial institutions have sufficient capital to withstand economic shocks.
#20
Which monetary policy tool involves the central bank buying or selling government securities to influence the money supply and interest rates?
Open market operations
ExplanationOpen market operations involve the central bank buying or selling government securities to influence the money supply and interest rates.