Question

What is quantitative easing? Why have central banks used this policy?

Short answer

Quantitative easing involves a central bank purchasing assets to increase the money supply and stimulate lending, traditionally used when standard policies like lowering interest rates are ineffective. Central banks use it to stimulate economic growth by fostering consumption and investment spending.

Step-by-step solution

Defining Quantitative Easing

Quantitative easing is a monetary policy where a central bank purchases government securities or other securities from the market in order to increase the money supply and encourage lending and investment. When short-term interest rates are at or approaching zero, normal open market operations, which target interest rates, are no longer effective, so instead a central bank can target specified amounts of assets to purchase. Quantitative easing increases the money supply by flooding financial institutions with capital in an effort to promote increased lending and liquidity.

Exploring the Use of Quantitative Easing

Central banks use this policy as a way of stimulating the economy. It is usually used when other options, such as lowering interest rates to near zero percent, have failed to spur growth. By purchasing assets, central banks infuse financial institutions with capital to promote lending and liquidity. The increased availability of credit enhances consumption and investment spending in the economy, promoting economic growth.

Key concepts

Monetary Policy

Monetary policy plays a crucial role in managing a nation's economic activity. It represents the strategies employed by a country's central bank to control the amount of money circulating in the economy and the rate at which that money is exchanged.
Central banks use monetary policy to achieve macroeconomic goals such as stable prices, full employment, and sustainable economic growth.

• **Tools Used**: The primary tools are open market operations, the discount rate, and reserve requirements.
• **Open Market Operations**: These involve the buying or selling of government bonds to influence the money supply.
• **Interest Rates**: Lowering rates is meant to stimulate borrowing and spending, while raising rates can help curb inflation.

Quantitative easing is a non-conventional monetary policy tool used when standard measures are ineffective due to low-interest rates.

Central Banks

Central banks serve as the primary institution for implementing monetary policy. Acting as the banker for the government and manager of a country's money supply, central banks aim to ensure economic stability and growth.
They have several critical functions.

• **Regulating Monetary Policy**: The central bank takes actions like setting interest rates and reserve requirements.
• **Controlling Inflation**: By adjusting monetary variables to maintain price stability and protect the currency's purchasing power.
• **Serving as a Lender of Last Resort**: Providing financial support to institutions facing liquidity problems to stabilize the financial system.

In times of economic crisis, central banks often resort to quantitative easing to provide additional financial support to the economy.

Money Supply

The money supply encompasses the total amount of monetary assets available within an economy at a specific time. It is a broad concept that includes cash, coins, and balances held in accounts.
A well-managed money supply is essential for healthy economic function.

**Types of Money Supply Measures**:

• **M1**: The most liquid forms, such as cash and checking deposits.
• **M2**: M1 plus savings accounts and small time deposits.

By increasing the money supply, central banks, through policies like quantitative easing, aim to lower interest rates and promote spending and investment.
More money in circulation leads to more available credit, which can help boost economic activities.

Economic Growth

Economic growth refers to the increase in the production of goods and services in a country over a certain period. It is typically measured as the percentage increase in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Central banks focus on policies that promote economic growth through various channels.

• **Boosting Investment**: Lower interest rates and increased money supply can enhance access to credit, encouraging businesses to invest in capital projects.
• **Increasing Consumption**: As consumers find it easier to borrow money, they tend to increase their spending, further driving demand for goods and services.

Quantitative easing contributes to economic growth by injecting money into the economy, thereby increasing demand and supply capabilities.
However, while aiming for growth, it is crucial to maintain balance to avoid overheating the economy, which could lead to inflation.