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In the financial world, there is a common but incorrect belief about how the Federal Reserve handles open market operations and monetary policies. It is often thought that the Federal Reserve "prints" money to buy financial assets, which should, in theory, devalue the dollar and increase inflation. However, this perspective does not reflect reality.
Contrary to popular belief, the Federal Reserve does not print physical money. What it actually does is create bank reserves. These reserves are not considered money until banks decide to lend them out or purchase financial assets. Since this conversion has occurred only in small amounts compared to the large reserves held by banks, there has not been a significant increase in inflation or a devaluation of the dollar.
Inflation remains low due to slow economic growth and the continuous increase in debt. Despite persistent expectations that inflation is just around the corner, the facts show otherwise: interest rates continue to fall.
Misconceptions about the Federal Reserve's policies have led to incorrect expectations about inflation and interest rates. Inflation has not increased because the amount of money "printed" by the Federal Reserve has not actually reached the public in a significant way. Only when banks lend that money or buy assets does it become real money. But this has occurred in a very small proportion compared to the large reserves.
The Federal Reserve has not flooded the system with physical money but with bank reserves. These reserves remain in banks, earning interest but not circulating in the public economy significantly. Therefore, there has not been a considerable increase in inflation or a devaluation of the dollar.
It is crucial to understand these mechanisms to avoid incorrect expectations about the impact of the Federal Reserve's policies. Only then can investors make more accurate calls on inflation, economic growth, and interest rates.