4. The central bank and the conduct of monetary policy

In most countries, the central bank manages the country’s money supply and interest rates. Most central banks hold a monopoly over printing the national currency and have supervisory or regulatory responsibilities for overseeing the banking industry. The central bank typically performs a dual role, operating as the government’s banker, and as banker to the rest of the banking system. ‘The central bank and the conduct of monetary policy’ explains the central bank’s role and describes the central banks of the UK, EU, and US, as well as the International Monetary Fund. It also outlines the central bank’s responsibility for implementing monetary policy and explains the deposit expansion multiplier, interest rate targeting, and quantitative easing.