Question 1: Name and discuss the major types of financial intermediaries in the U.S. and illustrate the differences in the way assets and liabilities are recorded on their balance sheets. Describe the major differences between depository and nondepository intermediaries, which institutions have recently handled the majority of financial transactions and the major factors that have caused this shift over the past several decades.
Question 2: Discuss the role of the FOMC and the three major policies it implements to help regulate banks. Briefly describe the equation used to measure bank reserves and the definition of the federal funds rate and their role as operating targets of the Federal Reserve as part of the FOMC directive.