What is the Federal Reserve and How It Shapes the US Economy

Key Takeaways
 

1. The Federal Reserve does not work like banks do in India. Instead, it is a decentralised system which has a seven-member Board of Governors, 12 regional Reserve Banks, and the FOMC that sets policy.
    
2. Tools used by Federal reserves are open-market operations, the discount rate, and reserve requirements (plus interest on reserves). With these, the Fed controls money supply and short-term interest rates.
    
3. The Fed follow dual mandate that looks over employment and price stability (2% inflation). 

The Federal Reserve, or “the Fed,” is the central bank of the United States. It manages money supply, interest rates, and financial stability.

For example, inflation in the US rises to 5%. To control it, the Fed may raise interest rates from 3% to 4%, making loans costlier and reducing spending.

The table summarises the impact of an increase in the Fed rate.
 

This table shows how a small rate hike by the Fed affects loans, inflation, and overall spending in the economy. There is a difference of $200 (₹17,471)

The Federal Reserve plays a powerful role in shaping the US economy. Adjusting rates and regulating money flow influence jobs, prices, and growth. Let’s learn more about this institution in this blog.

Structure of the Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve is built as a system, not a single bank. It is done this way so that power and operations are shared across a central board, regional banks, and a policy committee.
That structure keeps decisions balanced, mixes national oversight with regional input, and runs monetary policy day-to-day.

1. Board of Governors

The Board has 7 members appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate.
Each governor serves a 14-year staggered term, which helps keep policy steady across political cycles. They set broad rules, supervise the Fed Banks, and guide monetary policy goals.

2. Federal Reserve Banks (Regional Banks)

There are 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks spread across the U.S., each serving a district (for example, New York, Chicago, San Francisco). These banks handle operations like distributing currency, supervising local banks, and gathering economic data from their regions. Each Reserve Bank has its own president and board that give regional perspectives to national policy.

3. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

The FOMC is the Fed’s main policy body that decides interest-rate targets and open-market actions. It has 12 voting members: the 7 Board governors plus 5 regional bank presidents (the New York Fed always votes; 4 others rotate). The FOMC typically meets about 8 times a year to review the economy and set policy.

The table summarises the components of this huge system.
 

The Fed’s three-part structure gives long-term stability (7 governors), regional input (12 banks), and practical policy action (FOMC). This design helps the Fed respond to local conditions while coordinating national monetary policy that affects everyday prices, loans, and jobs.

Read More – SBI Cuts Loan Growth Target: Assessing the Impact of Rising US Tariffs on Lending

Primary Functions of the Federal Reserve

This section covers the roles of the Fed. We will see how the Federal Reserve works as a whole institution rather than just a bank.

1. Monetary policy 

The Fed uses interest-rate tools (the federal funds rate), open-market operations (buying/selling bonds), and other measures to influence how much credit costs and how much money is floating in the economy. Lower rates make borrowing cheaper and can boost spending and hiring; higher rates cool demand and curb inflation.

For example, if the Fed raises interest rates by 1%, a family home loan of $200,000 (₹1.6 crore) or a business loan of $1,000,000 (₹8,00,00,000) becomes costlier. This reduces borrowing and cools inflation.

The table below shows how a 1% hike increases yearly repayment costs.
 

Even small hikes add large costs, slowing spending and curbing inflation.

2. Supervision & regulation 

The Fed sets rules for big banks, runs inspections, and requires banks to hold enough capital so they can absorb losses. It runs stress tests that simulate severe recessions to check whether a bank would survive. If a bank fails a test, regulators may force it to raise capital, cut dividends, or fix risky practices.

For example, if a 1% loss hits bank assets worth $100,000,000 (₹800 crore), a well-capitalised bank can absorb the hit, but a weak bank risks insolvency.

The table highlights the difference between strong and weak banks during the same shock.
 

This oversight protects depositors and prevents sudden bank failures.

3. Lender of last resort 

When markets seize up or banks face sudden cash withdrawals, the Fed can lend short-term money to keep payments flowing and prevent bank runs. This emergency lending is temporary and aimed at stabilising markets while other fixes are arranged.

For example, if depositors demand $5,000,000 (₹40,00,00,000) in sudden withdrawals, a bank can survive with the Fed’s emergency support. In 2008, the Fed lent over $100B (₹8 lakh crore) to stabilise banks.

The table shows how Fed support turns a bank run into stability.
 

Such support prevents panic and stabilises the economy.

4. Payment systems & government services 

The Fed runs major payment networks (Fedwire for large-value transfers, FedACH for batch transfers, and FedNow for instant retail payments). It also handles government banking like tax receipts, social benefits, and Treasury operations, so public payments are fast and secure.

Example: A company paying $100,000 (₹80 lakh) to a supplier through Fedwire transfers it instantly. Payroll worth $1,000,000 (₹8,00,00,000) can move through ACH in one batch.

The table compares major Fed payment systems by speed and use.
 

These systems keep everyday payments fast, safe, and reliable.

Do you know in 2023, the Federal Reserve's automated clearinghouse (FedACH) processed around 18.9 billion transactions? The average daily transfer value was about $157.9 billion. 

5. Financial stability & systemic-risk monitoring

Beyond banks, the Fed watches markets, leverage, and cross-market risks that could threaten the whole system. It monitors shadow banking, large non-bank lenders, and market liquidity; when risks build, the Fed can take steps (guidance, liquidity support, or asset purchases) to calm markets.

For example, if bonds worth $100,000,000 (₹800 crore) fall by 10%, banks could face huge losses. The Fed steps in with liquidity or tighter rules.

The table below shows how the Fed responds during different stress situations.
 

By acting early, the Fed ensures market confidence and stability.

The Federal Reserve’s Dual Mandate

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate. It states that it must promote maximum sustainable employment and stable prices (around 2% inflation). This balance supports long-term economic health.

For example, in July 2025, the Fed maintained interest rates at 4.25–4.5%. It was after considering both near-full employment and inflation slightly above 2%. 

The table below shows how these two goals work together in policy decisions.
 

The dual mandate ensures the Fed balances between job growth and price stability. It ensures that neither is sacrificed for the other.

Also Read - The Mechanics of Interest Rate Changes: How Central Banks Influence the Economy

Tools Used by the Federal Reserve

The Fed uses several tools to manage the economy. These tools help adjust interest rates, liquidity, and banking behaviour. 

The table below briefly describes these tools and their impact.
 

These tools give the Fed a flexible and precise way to steer the economy toward its dual mandate

Conclusion

The Federal Reserve plays a central role in guiding America’s economy. It looks after jobs, inflation, and growth. Not every bank does that. By using powerful tools, it influences global markets, including India’s financial system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve is not owned by anyone. It’s an independent public body with oversight from Congress and funding from its own operations.

How does the Fed affect India?
When the Fed raises U.S. interest rates, foreign investors often withdraw money from India, affecting the rupee and stock markets.

What are Fed swap lines and who uses them?
Swap lines are dollar liquidity arrangements the Fed sets up with other central banks so they can access dollars during market stress.

How does the Fed’s balance-sheet growth affect inflation?
A bigger balance sheet raises money and liquidity, which can add inflationary pressure if demand rises; impact depends on overall bank lending and the economy’s slack.

Is the Fed issuing a digital dollar (CBDC)?
The Fed has been researching a central bank digital currency and studying pros/cons, but issuing a CBDC would require legal, policy, and technology decisions.

How can ordinary people influence Fed policy?
Individuals influence indirectly via elections (which shape Congress and appointments), by participating in public comment periods, and through civic engagement that affects lawmakers who oversee the Fed.
 

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