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Financial Markets and Monetary Policy

Liquidity ratios, capital ratios and systemic risk

  • 5 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

How the ratios protect stability and what they cost, moral hazard, and how a crisis spreads.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Evaluation

What is a liquidity ratio, and how does it affect financial stability?

Numbers

What is a capital ratio, and what is the trade-off in holding more liquid assets?

Key term

What is the difference between a bank being illiquid and being insolvent?

Key term

Through what channels are financial institutions interconnected, allowing contagion to spread?

Key term

Can a bank be illiquid but still solvent? Explain.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define a liquidity ratio.

    Model answer

    A liquidity ratio measures the proportion of a bank's assets that can be quickly converted to cash to meet short-term obligations.

  2. 2

    How do higher liquidity ratios affect financial stability?

    Model answer

    Higher liquidity ratios increase financial stability by ensuring banks can meet sudden withdrawal demands.

  3. 3

    Why might higher liquidity ratios reduce a bank's profitability?

    Model answer

    Liquid assets typically earn lower returns than less liquid assets, so holding more liquid assets reduces overall profitability.

  4. 4

    What does a capital ratio measure?

    Model answer

    A capital ratio measures the proportion of a bank's assets funded by shareholders' equity rather than borrowed funds.

  5. 5

    Explain how higher capital ratios contribute to financial stability.

    Model answer

    Higher capital ratios provide a buffer to absorb losses before depositors are affected, reducing the likelihood of insolvency.

  6. 6

    Define moral hazard in the context of the financial system.

    Model answer

    Moral hazard occurs when banks or other institutions take excessive risks because they expect to be bailed out by the government or central bank if they fail.

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