Define the money multiplier and give its formula.
Answer
Money multiplier = 1 ÷ reserve ratio
The correct answer is Money multiplier = 1 ÷ reserve ratio — This multiplier shows how many times the initial reserve can generate deposits.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the reserve ratio (rr) as the fraction of deposits banks must keep as reserves.
- Define the money multiplier (m) as the total money created per unit of reserves.
- Use the formula .
- Thus the money multiplier equals the reciprocal of the reserve ratio.
- This multiplier shows how many times the initial reserve can generate deposits.
Common mistake: Forgetting to take the reciprocal of the reserve ratio
Concept tested: Money multiplier concept
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