Definition
A country's or region's main monetary authority, which manages its currency, sets key interest rates and oversees the banking system.
The story
The Federal Reserve is the US central bank. Others that markets watch closely include the European Central Bank (ECB), the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England. When several of them move in the same direction, the effects ripple across currencies, bonds and stocks worldwide.
Why markets watch it
Central bank decisions are among the biggest scheduled events for every market.
See it in the story
Connects to
The Federal ReserveMonetary policyInterest rateCentral bank gold buyingECBBank of JapanBank of England
Last seen in
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms