--%>

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 : Inflation Inflation is frequently

    Inflation is frequently described as "too much money chasing too few goods." Is this a satisfactory definition?

  • Q : One party to a transaction deceives

    If one party to a transaction deceives another party prior to a deal be reached, this is termed as: (i) Bad luck. (ii) Adverse selection. (iii) Moral hazard. (iv) Polyandry. (v) Rational ignorance. Please someone suggest me the rig

  • Q : Important issues in Macroeconomics to

    Macroeconomics is primarily focused on issues about: (w) economy extensive aggregate variables as like national income. (x) the structure of economic activity quite than its level. (y) resource allocations through households and business firms. (z) po

  • Q : IMF? In saying that the present system

    In saying that the present system of floating exchange rates is managed we mean that: IMF officials determine exchange rates on a day-to-day basis. countries that allow their exchange rate to move freely will lose their borrowing privileges with the IMF. the value of any IMF member's currency

  • Q : How Bank rates control the credit How

    How Bank rates control the credit? Answer: Bank rate is the rate of interest at which the Central bank lends to Commercial banks. By increasing the bank rate centra

  • Q : Is sale of scooter is national income

    Describe whether the sale of old scooter is comprised in national income?

  • Q : Purchasing and consumption of

    The usual household maximizes the utility by spending all its money to purchase and consume a combination of goods which yields: (1) Fundamental physiological requirements and customary wants. (2) Maximum status and the social prestige. (3) Complete satisfaction of al

  • Q : Aggregate Expenditure model Describe

    Describe Aggregate Expenditure model and also state AD/AS model?

  • Q : Recovery of loans-capital receipt Why

    Why is recovery of loans taken as a capital receipt? Answer: Recovery of loans is always treated as a capital receipt since it leads to refuse in financial assets o

  • Q : International trade the most frequently

    the most frequently asked question on foreign direct invetment