What is the Reserve Deposit Ratio ?
-
- The proportion of money RBI lends to commercial banks
- The proportion of total deposits commercial banks keep as reserves
- The total proportion of money that commercial banks lend to the customers
- None of the above
Correct Answer: The proportion of total deposits commercial banks keep as reserves
Answer Explanation
As part of the Reserve Deposit Ratio, also called the Reserve Requirement Ratio, commercial banks are required to hold a certain proportion of their total deposits as reserves. To ensure the stability and solvency of the banking system and to implement monetary policy, these reserves serve as a buffer.
Answer (b) reflects the fact that the Reserve Deposit Ratio is the percentage of total deposits held by commercial banks that must be held in reserve. Based on economic conditions and policy objectives, the central bank (such as the Reserve Bank of India, or RBI) sets these requirements.
A reserve requirement serves multiple purposes:
a. Ensuring Liquidity:
Banks maintain liquidity by holding a certain percentage of deposits as reserves. This enables them to meet customer withdrawal demands and payment obligations.
b. Controlling money supply:
The reserve requirement is a powerful tool for central banks to control the money supply. By adjusting the reserve ratio, central banks can expand or contract money available for lending and spending.
c. Stabilizing the Banking System:
Reserves act as a buffer against unexpected shocks in the financial system. They provide banks with a safety net against liquidity shortages and sudden deposits withdrawals.
d. Implementing Monetary Policy:
The central bank can influence the economy by changing the reserve requirement. A lower reserve requirement encourages banks to lend more, boosting economic activity, while a higher reserve requirement can help reign in excess lending and inflationary pressures.
Why the other options are not correct
a. The proportion of money RBI lends to commercial banks
Reserve Deposit Ratio is not defined in this way. The Reserve Deposit Ratio has nothing to do with the proportion of money the central bank lends to commercial banks (such as the Reserve Bank of India). A central bank lends money to commercial banks at a rate known as the “Repo Rate” or “Reverse Repo Rate.” The Repo Rate is the interest rate at which the central bank lends money against government securities.
Similarly, the Reverse Repo Rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks can park their excess funds with the central bank. These rates are used by the central bank to manage liquidity in the banking system and influence borrowing and lending activities.
c. The total proportion of money that commercial banks lend to the customers
In this option, the Reserve Deposit Ratio is not accurately defined. The Reserve Deposit Ratio has nothing to do with how much money commercial banks lend to their customers. As a measure of how much money a bank lends to its customers, the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio is typically used. An institution’s lending activity is reflected in its lending activity in relation to the number of deposits it holds.
A bank’s Loan-to-Deposit Ratio and Reserve Deposit Ratio represent different aspects of its operations. But both metrics are relevant to understanding the bank. A bank’s Reserve Deposit Ratio refers to how much of its total deposits it must keep as reserves with the central bank. While its Loan-to-Deposit Ratio measures how much it lends.
d. None of the above
It is incorrect to say “None of the above” since option (b) “The proportion of total deposits commercial banks keep as reserves” is indeed an accurate definition of the Reserve Deposit Ratio. A reserve deposit ratio is the regulatory requirement imposed by central banks on commercial banks to hold a certain percentage as reserves.
This regulatory measure is designed to ensure the stability of the banking system. And to control the money supply, and facilitate the implementation of monetary policy. As a concept in banking and economics, Reserve Deposit Ratio (b) aligns with its correct definition.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Reserve Deposit Ratio plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the banking system and implementing monetary policy. In order to maintain liquidity management, money supply control, and economic stability, commercial banks are required to hold a certain proportion of their total deposits as reserves with the central bank.
For policymakers, economists, and financial institutions to ensure a sound monetary system, an accurate understanding of the Reserve Deposit Ratio is essential.
What is Currency Deposit Ratio (CDR)?
I am Bibisha Shiwakoti a final year BBS student from Janapremi College. I have completed my higher secondary education at Kalinchowk Secondary School.
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