📚 Learning Guide
Open Market Operations
easy

If a central bank sells government bonds in the open market, what is the most likely short-term effect on the economy?

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Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Interest rates will increase, reducing aggregate demand.

B

Interest rates will decrease, boosting investment spending.

C

The money supply will increase, leading to higher inflation.

D

The price level will rise due to reduced government spending.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a central bank sells government bonds in the open market, it takes money out of circulation. This happens because investors buy these bonds, which means they are using their cash to pay for them. As a result, there is less money available for people and businesses to spend, leading to a decrease in overall spending in the economy. For example, if a small business owner has less cash because they bought bonds, they might delay hiring new employees or expanding their shop. Overall, this action can lead to higher interest rates and slower economic growth in the short term.

Detailed Explanation

When a central bank sells bonds, it takes money out of the economy. Other options are incorrect because Some might think selling bonds lowers interest rates; It's a common mistake to think selling bonds increases the money supply.

Key Concepts

Open Market Operations
Interest Rates
Aggregate Demand
Topic

Open Market Operations

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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