What is the primary function of the Federal Reserve System?

The primary function of the Federal Reserve System, often referred to as the Fed, is to manage the nation's monetary policy. This involves controlling the supply of money and credit in the economy to achieve macroeconomic goals such as stable prices, maximum sustainable employment, and moderate long-term interest rates. By using various tools, like setting interest rates and open market operations, the Fed influences overall economic conditions, aiming to promote economic stability and growth.

While the Fed does oversee commercial banks, its broader mandate encompasses handling monetary policy for the country as a whole, which includes ensuring the stability of the financial system and serving as a bank for the government. The regulation of stock markets and the issuance of federal laws falls outside the responsibilities of the Federal Reserve, which are more narrowly focused on the banking system and monetary conditions rather than on market regulations and legislation.