--%>

The Fed can control the Fed funds rate

Question:

Hubbard argues that the Fed can control the Fed funds rate, but the interest rate that is important for the economy is a longer-term real rate of interest.   How much control does the Fed have over this longer real rate

Answer:

It is true that the Fed can control the short term interest rates through its monetary policy. However, the long term interest rates are a resultant of mainly variables which make the control of Fed over it difficult. Long term interest rates are formed by expectation which builds up over the period of time. Also, an external shock can cause investors to shift their money from short term to long term bonds or vice-versa which will affect both type of interest rate. Fed, in that case, can control the short run interest rate by monetary policy changes, but the long term rates will depend upon how the investors perceive that monetary change. Based upon their perception and expectations about the future, they decide their investment decisions which decide the long term interest rates.

 

   Related Questions in Macroeconomics

  • Q : FED targeting the interest rate versus

    What is the main difference between FED targeting the interest rate versus inflation and which one is Bernanke using nowadays? Name some countries which use this method nowadays.

  • Q : How central bank reduce the

    Describe any two measures by which a Central Bank can attempt to decrease the gap. Answer: Central bank can decrease this gap by adopting two measures illustrated b

  • Q : GDP In calculating the GDP national

    In calculating the GDP national income accountants:

  • Q : Crisis in Japan & US Question: What can

    Question: What can we learn from the Japanese experience? Is the US headed for a 'lost decade? Answer: There was a similari

  • Q : Implications of fiscal deficit

    Implications of fiscal deficit: (A) High fiscal deficit entails a big amount of borrowings in which the government takes more loans to pay back it. It raises the liability of government.

    Q : Fiscal deficits What are the causes of

    What are the causes of the fiscal deficits experienced by many developed nations in the past three years and what are the main effects of the resulting government borrowing? For example – Greece/Ireland/Portugal/Spain situation and the large def

  • Q : Price ratios and marginal utility ratios

    I have a problem in economics on Price ratios and marginal utility ratios. Please help me in the following question. The efficiency in consumption needs equality of: (i) Income distribution. (ii) All product price and resources. (iii) MC and MR. (iv)

  • Q : Conditions through which the supply

    What are the conditions through which the supply curve will shift?

  • Q : Substitution Effect explanation Can

    Can someone help me in finding out the right answer from the given options. The substitution effect is fully explained when: (i) Brandon just eat tofu since he is on a diet. (ii) A rise in the price of corn chips drives up demand for the salsa. (iii)

  • Q : Assignment Task 1 – Commercial banks in

    Task 1 – Commercial banks in United Economy have total deposits of AED 300 billion. Their reserves are AED 15 billion, two- thirds of which are with the Central Bank as deposits. There are AED 30 billion notes outside the banks. There are no coins! Calculate- a) The monetary base. b) The bank