open-market operations

open-market operations

The purchase and sale of government securities from a primary dealer in the open market by the Federal Reserve in order to influence the money supply, credit conditions, and interest rates. For example, large purchases of securities will release funds into bank reserves which, in turn, will be used for lending. This action increases the supply of money, and, at least temporarily, pushes down interest rates. Open-market operations have significant effects on security prices. See also Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).