What is The Federal Reserve? How the Fed Controls USD Value

The Federal Reserve System Explained 

The Fed was established over a century ago after Congress passed the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 in the wake of the financial panic in 1907. Initially, congress designed the Fed as an establishment of Federal Reserve banks and effective supervision of the banking system in the United States. Over the years, the Feds authority expanded to supervise and control all financial aspects. At present, the Fed conducts monetary policy to maintain price stability and maximum employment using monetary tools. In addition to supervising the banking system. 

The Fed performs five main functions to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and the public interest.

• The Fed conducts the monetary policy to achieve maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates in the U.S. economy. 

• Promotes the stability of the financial system and act to minimize and contain systemic risks through active monitoring and engagement. 

• Maintains the safety and soundness of individual financial institutions while monitoring their impact on the financial system. 

• Enhances payment system efficiency and safety through services to the banking industry and the U.S. government that facilitate U.S.-dollar transactions and payments. 

• Ensures consumer protection through consumer-focused supervision and examination, research and analysis of emerging consumer issues and trends, community economic development activities, and the administration of consumer laws and regulations.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

The FOMC is the body of the Federal Reserve System that sets national monetary policy by directing open market operations (OMOs). The FOMC committee consists of twelve voting members. The committee decides the appropriate stance of monetary policy to achieve policy mandates of price stability and maximum employment. The FOMC committee moves the federal funds rate to achieve the policy mandates. The committee typically meets eight times each year, and at other times as needed.

2022 FOMC Meeting Calendar 

January	25-26
March	15-16*
May	3-4
June	14-15*
July	26-27
September	20-21*
November	1-2
December	13-14*

How to Trade Feds Decisions？

The Fed is known for being data-dependent. It means that the policy path is adjustable based on economic activity, achieving policy mandates and financial conditions. Short-term forecasts tend to be more valuable for investors, as longer-term views are more vulnerable to change. 

Changes in interest rates directly impact the US Dollar. Typically, intending to hike interest rates or maintain neutral levels is good for the currency. In contrast to when the central bank intends to cut interest rates or maintain high levels. Investors are attracted to higher yields. When the interest rate rises, foreign investors tend to switch from their local currency investments to USD denominated investments which supports the value of the US dollar. 

Can I forecast the Feds decisions？ Yes, the Fed keeps highly transparent communication with the publisher regarding its policy path. The dot plot is one of the most influential communication tools used by the FOMC. Know more about how to interpret the dot plot and forecast changes in interest rates. 

Monetary policy decisions not only affect the economy but the financial markets as well. The policies of the Fed also influence monetary policies for many other countries. 

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