📚 Learning Guide
Commercial Banks and Reserve Requirements
medium

How can changes in reserve requirements by the central bank influence the likelihood of a bank run during periods of economic instability?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Lower reserve requirements increase liquidity and reduce the risk of bank runs.

B

Higher reserve requirements decrease liquidity and increase the risk of bank runs.

C

Changes in reserve requirements have no effect on the likelihood of bank runs.

D

Only banks with low reserve ratios can face bank runs regardless of reserve requirements.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Reserve requirements are the amount of money that banks must keep on hand and not lend out. When the central bank changes these requirements, it can affect how much money banks can lend to customers. If the central bank lowers reserve requirements, banks have more money to lend, which can encourage borrowing and spending. However, in times of economic instability, if people feel uncertain about the bank's safety, they might rush to withdraw their money, leading to a bank run. For example, if a bank has a lower reserve requirement and many customers withdraw their funds at once, the bank could run out of cash, making the situation worse and increasing the likelihood of a bank run.

Detailed Explanation

When the central bank lowers reserve requirements, banks can keep more money available. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher reserve requirements help banks stay safe; It's a common belief that reserve changes don't matter.

Key Concepts

Monetary policy
Bank runs
Topic

Commercial Banks and Reserve Requirements

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.