A country’s economic decisions can have far-reaching effects.
What Is Monetary Policy?
Central banks use policy to influence the amount of money in the economy, directly affecting us all.
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What Is a Central Bank and What Does It Do for You?
Central banks conduct monetary policy, which directly influences the rate of economic growth and the value of currency.
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The Global Role of the U.S. Dollar
The U.S. dollar is the world’s most popular currency, and the U.S. economy greatly benefits from that fact.
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5:35
Understanding Currencies and Exchange Rates
Supply and demand influence how much a currency is worth.
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The Global Consequences of Financial Contagion
In a world where financial problems don’t respect borders, how do you coordinate an international response?
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The Suez Canal Crisis
In 1956, the Egyptian government seized the Suez Canal from British control. When the United Kingdom, France, and Israel invaded the country, the United States responded by using financial tools.
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How Monetary Policy and Currencies Affect You
Small changes in monetary policy can affect both individuals and countries.
Source: Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Ocasio-Cortez Boosts Progressive Theory That Deficits Aren’t So Scary
Budget deficits may not be as much a drag on the economy as policy-makers initially thought.
Source: Joshua Lott/Reuters
The Great Recession Was Awful. And We Don’t Have a Plan to Stop the Next One.
Recessions cause enormous economic damage, and there are several policy options on how to prepare for them, though policy-makers have not yet agreed on one.
Source: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
The Dirty Little Secret of Central Banking
Central banking is based in part on human assumptions that can change.
Source: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
How Trump Is Repelling Foreign Investment
Inflammatory political rhetoric, even without action, can affect financial investment on its own.
More From CFR
The Role of the U.S. Federal Reserve
The U.S. Federal Reserve plays a few roles in national and global monetary policy.
Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Good News! The Federal Reserve is Surviving the Trump Era.
Sometimes, regulatory bodies can continue to operate fluidly through large political changes.
Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters
Foreign Investment and U.S. National Security
While foreign investment often has positive effects, the U.S. government balances those against its perceived effect on national security.
Photo: Jorge Silva/Reuters
