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Wednesday 26 July 2023

A Level Economics: Practice Questions on Monetary Policy


  1. What is the primary objective of the Bank of England's monetary policy? a) Promoting economic growth b) Ensuring financial stability c) Maintaining price stability (inflation targeting) d) Managing exchange rates Answer: c

  2. The Bank of England operates under a ____________ framework, aiming to achieve a specific target for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. a) Financial Stability b) Exchange Rate Targeting c) Inflation Targeting d) Full Employment Policy Answer: c

  3. Which committee of the Bank of England is responsible for making decisions on monetary policy, including setting the Bank Rate? a) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) b) Financial Policy Committee (FPC) c) Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) d) Inflation Targeting Committee (ITC) Answer: a

  4. What does the "lender of last resort" role of the Bank of England entail? a) Providing emergency liquidity assistance to financial institutions facing funding difficulties b) Setting interest rates to control inflation c) Regulating and supervising financial institutions d) Overseeing the smooth functioning of payment systems Answer: a

  5. The Bank of England's inflation target is set at: a) 1% Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation b) 3% Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation c) 5% Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation d) 2% Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation Answer: d

  6. The Bank of England's subsidiary responsible for supervising banks and financial institutions is: a) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) b) Financial Policy Committee (FPC) c) Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) d) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Answer: c

  7. Which of the following is a factor considered by the Bank of England when setting interest rates? a) Global Economic Environment b) Exchange Rate Targeting c) Government Spending d) Housing Market Conditions Answer: a

  8. The symmetrical nature of the Bank of England's inflation target means that: a) The Bank aims for inflation to be below the target b) The Bank aims for inflation to be above the target c) The Bank treats deviations of inflation below the target more seriously than deviations above the target d) The Bank treats deviations of inflation above the target with the same importance as deviations below the target Answer: d

  9. How does lowering interest rates typically affect consumer spending? a) It encourages more borrowing and higher spending b) It discourages borrowing and reduces spending c) It has no impact on consumer behavior d) It leads to fluctuations in consumer spending Answer: a

  10. Changes in interest rates can influence the exchange rate by: a) Increasing inflation expectations b) Attracting foreign investors seeking higher returns c) Encouraging carry trades d) Reducing the interest rate differential between countries Answer: b


  1. What is the primary goal of Quantitative Easing (QE) by central banks? a) Reducing inflation b) Controlling exchange rates c) Stimulating the economy and increasing money supply d) Lowering short-term interest rates Answer: c

  2. How does the interest rate differential between two countries influence exchange rates? a) Higher interest rates lead to currency depreciation b) Higher interest rates lead to currency appreciation c) Lower interest rates lead to currency depreciation d) Lower interest rates lead to currency appreciation Answer: b

  3. Which of the following is a risk associated with Quantitative Easing (QE)? a) Deflationary pressures b) Asset price bubbles c) Reduced money supply d) Increased interest rates Answer: b

  4. What is the purpose of Funding for Lending (FLS) by central banks? a) Providing low-cost funding to households b) Encouraging banks to increase lending activity c) Controlling inflation through lending restrictions d) Supporting government spending Answer: b

  5. What is the objective of Forward Guidance by central banks? a) Controlling exchange rates through communication b) Lowering long-term interest rates c) Reducing inflation expectations d) Providing clarity on future monetary policy to influence borrowing decisions Answer: d

  6. In the context of direct intervention, what does TLTRO stand for? a) Targeted Long-Term Reserve Operations b) Timing of Long-Term Rate Offerings c) Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations d) Term Limit for Long-Term Reserves Answer: c

  7. What happens when a central bank implements negative interest rates on banks' reserves? a) Banks increase lending activity b) Banks pay interest on reserves held at the central bank c) Banks hold excess reserves to earn higher interest d) Banks reduce lending activity Answer: a

  8. What is one potential unintended consequence of direct intervention measures by central banks? a) Increased inflation b) Reduced market liquidity c) Higher interest rates d) Excessive risk-taking or asset price bubbles Answer: d

  9. How can central banks adjust Funding for Lending (FLS) to enhance its effectiveness? a) Increase short-term interest rates b) Reduce the amount of low-cost funding provided to banks c) Implement negative interest rates d) Periodically review and make adjustments to the scheme Answer: d

  10. Which of the following is the primary objective of Quantitative Easing (QE)? a) Boosting borrowing and spending in the economy b) Controlling exchange rates c) Reducing government spending d) Encouraging saving and investment Answer: a


--- Essay Questions

  1. "Assess the Effectiveness and Risks of Quantitative Easing (QE) as a Monetary Policy Tool."


    • Analyze the role of QE in stimulating economic growth, increasing money supply, and supporting financial markets.
    • Evaluate the potential risks associated with prolonged QE, such as asset price bubbles and inflationary pressures.
    • Consider the challenges faced by central banks in unwinding QE and transitioning to a more conventional monetary policy stance.

  2. "Discuss the Impact of Central Bank Interventions on Exchange Rates and Economic Stability."


    • Analyze the relationship between interest rates and exchange rates, emphasizing the role of interest rate differentials and capital flows.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of direct intervention methods, including Funding for Lending (FLS) and Forward Guidance, in influencing lending activity and economic growth.
    • Discuss the potential risks of central bank interventions on economic stability, including the impact on asset prices and financial market behavior.

  3. "Compare and Contrast Quantitative Easing (QE) and Interest Rate Policies as Tools of Monetary Control."


    • Analyze the objectives and mechanisms of QE and interest rate policies, focusing on how they influence money supply and borrowing costs.
    • Compare the impact of QE and interest rate policies on inflation, exchange rates, and overall economic activity.
    • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of each policy tool, considering their effectiveness in various economic contexts and potential risks to financial stability.

 

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