Current FAQs
Informing the public about the Federal Reserve
Why are interest rates being kept at a low level?
The financial crisis that began in 2007 was the most intense period of global financial strains since the Great Depression, and it led to a deep and prolonged global economic downturn. The Federal Reserve took extraordinary actions in response to the financial crisis to help stabilize the U.S. economy and financial system.![For sale sign](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130215072715im_/http://www.federalreserve.gov/gifjpg/sale-sign.jpg)
Why do the U.S. economic recovery and labor market require ongoing monetary policy support through the purchase of longer-term Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities?
The Federal Reserve conducts monetary policy to foster its statutory objectives of maximum employment, price stability, and moderate long-term interest rates.![newspaper](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130215072715im_/http://www.federalreserve.gov/gifjpg/newspaper.jpg)
Does the Federal Reserve ever get audited?
Yes, the Board of Governors, the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Reserve System as a whole are all subject to several levels of audit and review...![Papers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130215072715im_/http://www.federalreserve.gov/gifjpg/fq_atf_008.jpg)
Other helpful resources
Recent Working Papers
Last update:
January 25, 2013