Question

Assuming the required-reserve ratio is 20%, after a $5 billion purchase of securities (government bonds) from the non-bank public by the Fed, if all banks make loans until excess reserves equal zero and there are no cash leakages, checkable deposits can expand as a result of new lending by a maximum of _____.

Answer 1

Answer: $25 billion

Explanation:

The increase in cash as a result of a deposit into the banking system, no cash leakages and a required-reserve ratio is:

= Deposit into banking system * Money multiplier

Money multiplier = 1 / Required reserve ratio

= 1 / 20%

= 5

Checkable deposit increase:

= 5 billion * 5

= $25 billion