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The US central bank. Controls interest rates and money supply. Called "the Fed."
Why It Matters
The Fed is arguably the most powerful economic institution in the world. When the Fed Chair speaks, markets move instantly. Their dual mandate: keep inflation around 2% and maximize employment. They do this mainly by adjusting interest rates. 'Don't fight the Fed' is a famous investing maxim - if they're easing, stocks tend to rise; if tightening, watch out.
Key Points
- The Fed Chair (currently Jerome Powell) is appointed by the President and serves 4-year terms
- FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meets 8 times yearly to decide rates
- Quantitative Easing (QE) is when the Fed buys bonds to inject money into the economy - bullish for stocks
Related Terms
Common Questions
The US central bank. Controls interest rates and money supply. Called "the Fed." The Fed is arguably the most powerful economic institution in the world. When the Fed Chair speaks, markets move instantly.
The Fed is arguably the most powerful economic institution in the world. When the Fed Chair speaks, markets move instantly. Their dual mandate: keep inflation around 2% and maximize employment. They do this mainly by adjusting interest rates. 'Don't fight the Fed' is a famous investing maxim - if they're easing, stocks tend to rise; if tightening, watch out.
The Fed Chair (currently Jerome Powell) is appointed by the President and serves 4-year terms
FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meets 8 times yearly to decide rates
Quantitative Easing (QE) is when the Fed buys bonds to inject money into the economy - bullish for stocks