Federal Reserve’s Capital Has Now Plummeted to Negative $121 Billion, and Congress Needs To Act
April 24, 2024
(Editorial)
Hold up your hand if you think that the aggregate losses of an organization are an asset of that organization. No hands at all? Absolutely right. Losses are not an asset. That’s accounting 101. Yet the greatest central bank in the world, the Federal Reserve, insists on claiming that its continuing losses, which have accumulated to the staggering sum of $164 billion, are an accounting asset.
The Fed seeks to palm off this accounting entry as a “Deferred Asset.” Why does the Fed do this, which perhaps makes it look tricky instead of majestic? Because it does not want to report that it has lost all its $43 billion in capital and now has negative capital. The inevitable arithmetic is plain: start with the Fed’s $43 billion in capital, lose $164 billion, and the capital has inescapably become negative $121 billion.
The Fed is not pleased with this answer. In addition to its “Deferred Asset” gambit, it frequently and publicly asserts that negative capital does not matter if you are a money-printing central bank. The idea seems to be that a central bank can always print up more money. The Fed further declares that it is not in business to maximize profits. Even were all this true, it fails to change the correct capital number: negative $121 billion.
If it really doesn’t matter that the Fed has negative capital, why does it not just publish the true number? If the Fed is right, no one will care at all. The Bank of Canada does it right. Its September 30, 2023 balance sheet clearly reports its capital of negative $4.5 billion in Canadian currency. The Bank of Canada also has an agreement with the Ministry of Finance so that any realized losses it takes on its “QE” bond investments “are indemnified by the Government of Canada.” *
The Fed has no such contract with America’s Treasury. The Fed presumably has an “implied guaranty” from the Treasury, just like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac did, but there is nothing formal. It seems certain that Congress never dreamed that the Fed could experience the losses and the negative capital that are now reality.
The Fed ran an exceptionally risky balance sheet with little capital. The key vulnerability was and is interest rate risk, the same risk that caused the failure of the savings and loans in the 1980s. The Fed’s capital was a mere 0.5 percent of its total assets. When the Fed incurred big interest rate risk losses starting in 2022, it rapidly lost all its capital because it had so little capital to begin with.
Whose fault was that?
The reason the Fed had so little capital was the Congress. Anxious to take the profits of the Fed to spend, the Congress limited by law the retained earnings the Fed could build to a mere $6.8 billion, or less than 0.1 percent of the Fed’s assets. Moreover, as the Fed made itself ever riskier, Congress did nothing to either limit the risk, or to increase the capital to reflect the risk.
Did Congress understand the Fed’s balance sheet? If not, Congress is also at fault for that failure. Congress has provided in the Federal Reserve Act, from the original act to today, that the Federal Reserve Banks have a legal call on their commercial bank stockholders to double their paid-in capital. Thus the Fed has the statutory right to raise $36 billion in additional capital.
That would not bring its capital up to zero. It would, though, be a lot better than nothing. Yet the proud Fed has not chosen to issue the capital call that Congress designed, and Congress has not suggested that the Fed do so. Is Congress paying attention to the Fed’s financial condition?
The Bank of England, which has a formal support agreement from His Majesty’s Treasury, studied the need for central bank capital in a recent working paper.* * It observed that “Financial strength can support central bank independence and credibility.”
“When capital is low,” the Bank of England concluded, “central banks should be able to retain their profits to help strengthen their capital position.” Congress prohibited the Fed from doing this, even as its capital relative to risk got miniscule.
Congress needs to fix the Federal Reserve Act to allow capital to be built up corresponding to the risks undertaken. Of course, that means Congress has to understand the risks. As for the Fed’s capital at this point, negative $121 billion certainly qualifies as “low.”
https://www.nysun.com/article/the-federal-reserves-capital-has-now-plummeted-to-negative-121-billion-and-congress-needs-to-act?newsletter-access&recognized_email=mnshires%40gmail.com&utm_source=MG&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Sun%20%202024-04-24
April 24, 2024
(Editorial)
Hold up your hand if you think that the aggregate losses of an organization are an asset of that organization. No hands at all? Absolutely right. Losses are not an asset. That’s accounting 101. Yet the greatest central bank in the world, the Federal Reserve, insists on claiming that its continuing losses, which have accumulated to the staggering sum of $164 billion, are an accounting asset.
The Fed seeks to palm off this accounting entry as a “Deferred Asset.” Why does the Fed do this, which perhaps makes it look tricky instead of majestic? Because it does not want to report that it has lost all its $43 billion in capital and now has negative capital. The inevitable arithmetic is plain: start with the Fed’s $43 billion in capital, lose $164 billion, and the capital has inescapably become negative $121 billion.
The Fed is not pleased with this answer. In addition to its “Deferred Asset” gambit, it frequently and publicly asserts that negative capital does not matter if you are a money-printing central bank. The idea seems to be that a central bank can always print up more money. The Fed further declares that it is not in business to maximize profits. Even were all this true, it fails to change the correct capital number: negative $121 billion.
If it really doesn’t matter that the Fed has negative capital, why does it not just publish the true number? If the Fed is right, no one will care at all. The Bank of Canada does it right. Its September 30, 2023 balance sheet clearly reports its capital of negative $4.5 billion in Canadian currency. The Bank of Canada also has an agreement with the Ministry of Finance so that any realized losses it takes on its “QE” bond investments “are indemnified by the Government of Canada.” *
The Fed has no such contract with America’s Treasury. The Fed presumably has an “implied guaranty” from the Treasury, just like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac did, but there is nothing formal. It seems certain that Congress never dreamed that the Fed could experience the losses and the negative capital that are now reality.
The Fed ran an exceptionally risky balance sheet with little capital. The key vulnerability was and is interest rate risk, the same risk that caused the failure of the savings and loans in the 1980s. The Fed’s capital was a mere 0.5 percent of its total assets. When the Fed incurred big interest rate risk losses starting in 2022, it rapidly lost all its capital because it had so little capital to begin with.
Whose fault was that?
The reason the Fed had so little capital was the Congress. Anxious to take the profits of the Fed to spend, the Congress limited by law the retained earnings the Fed could build to a mere $6.8 billion, or less than 0.1 percent of the Fed’s assets. Moreover, as the Fed made itself ever riskier, Congress did nothing to either limit the risk, or to increase the capital to reflect the risk.
Did Congress understand the Fed’s balance sheet? If not, Congress is also at fault for that failure. Congress has provided in the Federal Reserve Act, from the original act to today, that the Federal Reserve Banks have a legal call on their commercial bank stockholders to double their paid-in capital. Thus the Fed has the statutory right to raise $36 billion in additional capital.
That would not bring its capital up to zero. It would, though, be a lot better than nothing. Yet the proud Fed has not chosen to issue the capital call that Congress designed, and Congress has not suggested that the Fed do so. Is Congress paying attention to the Fed’s financial condition?
The Bank of England, which has a formal support agreement from His Majesty’s Treasury, studied the need for central bank capital in a recent working paper.* * It observed that “Financial strength can support central bank independence and credibility.”
“When capital is low,” the Bank of England concluded, “central banks should be able to retain their profits to help strengthen their capital position.” Congress prohibited the Fed from doing this, even as its capital relative to risk got miniscule.
Congress needs to fix the Federal Reserve Act to allow capital to be built up corresponding to the risks undertaken. Of course, that means Congress has to understand the risks. As for the Fed’s capital at this point, negative $121 billion certainly qualifies as “low.”
https://www.nysun.com/article/the-federal-reserves-capital-has-now-plummeted-to-negative-121-billion-and-congress-needs-to-act?newsletter-access&recognized_email=mnshires%40gmail.com&utm_source=MG&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Sun%20%202024-04-24
Yesterday at 5:10 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 5/7/24 Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - Regional Trade - A Progession of Reforms - A Global Bac
Yesterday at 5:09 pm by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Yesterday at 8:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Yesterday at 8:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Yesterday at 7:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Yesterday at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Yesterday at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Yesterday at 7:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Yesterday at 7:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Yesterday at 7:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Yesterday at 7:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Yesterday at 7:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Yesterday at 7:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Yesterday at 7:28 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Yesterday at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission told Al-Sabah: We are the people’s eyes on the government and s
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Provincial Council: The capital is facing a new urban and service phase
Yesterday at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Customs, security and economic aspects
Yesterday at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Central Governor: We face “increasing challenges” in complying with international laws
Yesterday at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Payment of end-of-service benefits to employees referred to retirement for the month of May
Yesterday at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Billions “evaporated”.. What is the truth about closing the “theft of the century” file in Diyala?
Yesterday at 4:45 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Labor approves the extinguishment of debts owed by transgressors from the families o
Yesterday at 4:43 am by Rocky
» How did Washington comment on Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Tehran?
Yesterday at 4:42 am by Rocky
» The honeymoon is over and the salary crisis continues. Baghdad and Erbil exchange accusations, but s
Yesterday at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Why has Iraq not submitted a file to stop burning gas over the past years?
Yesterday at 4:39 am by Rocky
» A slight increase in the exchange rate...more than 146 thousand per 100 dollars
Yesterday at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Do Iraq's debts pose a threat to the economy? Parliament answers
Yesterday at 4:37 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Yesterday at 4:36 am by Rocky
» President Masoud Barzani meets an Iraqi parliamentary delegation
Yesterday at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary criticism of the government’s delay in sending the budget schedules despite the approa
Yesterday at 4:33 am by Rocky
» A report reveals the existence of an undeclared “Iraqi-British” agreement regarding asylum seekers
Yesterday at 4:32 am by Rocky
» Alternative energy... advanced stages of the largest solar energy station in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Its delay raised concerns... it is likely that the 2024 budget schedules will be approved today
Yesterday at 4:30 am by Rocky
» The industry reveals the reasons why Russian companies stopped reconstructing 7 factories in Anbar
Yesterday at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Billions evaporated.. What is the truth about closing the theft of the century file in Diyala?
Yesterday at 4:28 am by Rocky
» Nouri Al-Maliki to the Saudi Ambassador: Iraq is open to all countries of the world
Yesterday at 4:26 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi generation that “does not fear” America and Iran.. Nadim Al-Jabri explains his expectations
Yesterday at 4:25 am by Rocky
» After 9 years.. the third session of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 4:22 am by Rocky
» “These are our goals.” The Turkish President talks about his visit to Iraq last month
Yesterday at 4:21 am by Rocky
» Romanowski: The Iraqi judiciary is independent and the Federal Court seeks to consolidate democracy
Yesterday at 4:19 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The presidency of Parliament will remain vacant until the end of the current session
Yesterday at 4:17 am by Rocky
» Political: The Iraqi economy is threatened by American hegemony because of the coordination administ
Yesterday at 4:16 am by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi will not become Speaker of Parliament
Yesterday at 4:15 am by Rocky
» Planning reveals the mechanism for examining gold in local markets
Yesterday at 4:14 am by Rocky
» Including railway connectivity and water shares... Iraq and Iran are discussing a number of common i
Yesterday at 4:12 am by Rocky
» Oil is preparing to export gas oil after achieving self-sufficiency
Yesterday at 4:11 am by Rocky
» Trade is preparing to hold a number of specialized exhibitions in Baghdad and the provinces
Yesterday at 4:09 am by Rocky
» Erdogan: Our goal is to raise the volume of trade with Iraq to more than 20 billion dollars
Yesterday at 4:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms Iraq's openness to fruitful partnerships with French companies
Yesterday at 4:07 am by Rocky
» Determining the launch date for the activities of the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair
Yesterday at 4:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 4:05 am by Rocky
» utube 5/3/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - Expectation - Implementation - Activation - New Exchange Rat
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:30 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Mon 06 May 2024, 7:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Mon 06 May 2024, 6:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Mon 06 May 2024, 5:10 am by Rocky