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A country’s economic decisions can have far-reaching effects.
Central banks use policy to influence the amount of money in the economy, directly affecting us all.
Central banks conduct monetary policy, which directly influences the rate of economic growth and the value of currency.
The U.S. dollar is the world’s most popular currency, and the U.S. economy greatly benefits from that fact.
Supply and demand influence how much a currency is worth.
In a world where financial problems don’t respect borders, how do you coordinate an international response?
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.
Source: Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Budget deficits may not be as much a drag on the economy as policy-makers initially thought.
Source: Joshua Lott/Reuters
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
Central banking is based in part on human assumptions that can change.
Source: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Inflammatory political rhetoric, even without action, can affect financial investment on its own.
Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters
Photo: Jorge Silva/Reuters