Briefing

How might the Fed's large-scale asset purchases lower long-term interest rates?


Abstract: Over the past two years the Federal Reserve has engaged in large-scale asset purchases (LSAPs), often grouped under the heading of "quantitative easing," as an alternative means of stimulating the economy when policy rates are at their zero lower bound. Theoretical and empirical research shows how this policy may lower long-term interest rates, and financial market data suggest that the initial launch of LSAPs had an effect on expectations about future Fed policy.

Keywords: Interest rates;

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Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Part of Series: Richmond Fed Economic Brief

Publication Date: 2011

Issue: Jan

Order Number: 11-1