ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -For example, suppose a bank has $20 million in deposits. If its reserve ratio is 10%, then it’s required to keep at least $2 million on hand. However, if the bank has $3 million in reserves, then $1 million of it is in excess reserves.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Fed has created trillions of dollars of excess reserves to the account of member banks. One frequently reads that the banks are not lending out those reserves, which is bad for the economy. But banks cannot lend out reserves. Only the Fed can create or destroy reserves.

Detailed explanation-3: -Excess reserves are a safety buffer of sorts. Financial firms that carry excess reserves have an extra measure of safety in the event of sudden loan loss or significant cash withdrawals by customers. This buffer increases the safety of the banking system, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Detailed explanation-4: -Required and Excess Bank Reserves Bank reserves are termed either required reserves or excess reserves. The required reserve is the minimum cash the bank can keep on hand. The excess reserve is any cash over the required minimum that the bank is holding in its vault rather than lending out to businesses and consumers.