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Multiple Choice
Which of the following, when reduced, increases the amount of money banks have available to lend?
A
Interest rates on loans
B
Outstanding bonds
C
Capital stock
D
Reserve requirements
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of reserve requirements: Reserve requirements are the minimum amount of reserves that banks must hold, typically set by a central bank. These reserves cannot be lent out, and reducing reserve requirements allows banks to lend more money.
Analyze the impact of reserve requirements on lending: When reserve requirements are reduced, banks are required to hold less money in reserve. This increases the amount of money they can use for loans, thereby increasing their lending capacity.
Compare reserve requirements to other options: Interest rates on loans, outstanding bonds, and capital stock do not directly increase the amount of money banks have available to lend. Reserve requirements directly affect the lending capacity of banks.
Relate reserve requirements to monetary policy: Central banks often adjust reserve requirements as part of monetary policy to influence the economy. Lowering reserve requirements can stimulate economic activity by increasing lending and investment.
Conclude the reasoning: Reducing reserve requirements increases the amount of money banks have available to lend, making it the correct answer in this context.