Monetary Base: Currency in Circulation
MBCURRCIR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2,392.90
Year-over-Year Change
1.75%
Date Range
1/1/1959 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Monetary Base: Currency in Circulation tracks the total amount of physical currency held by the public and in bank vaults. This metric is a critical indicator of money supply and provides insights into liquidity, economic activity, and potential inflationary pressures.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic indicator represents the most liquid form of money in the economy, directly controlled by the Federal Reserve's monetary policy actions. Economists use it to understand money creation, assess potential economic stimulus, and gauge the central bank's monetary expansion strategies.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by aggregating physical currency in circulation and vault cash held by financial institutions.
Historical Context
Central banks and policymakers use this metric to monitor money supply, inform monetary policy decisions, and assess potential economic interventions.
Key Facts
- Represents the most liquid component of the money supply
- Directly influenced by Federal Reserve monetary policy
- Includes physical currency and bank vault cash
FAQs
Q: How does currency in circulation impact inflation?
A: Increased currency in circulation can potentially lead to higher inflation if money supply grows faster than economic output. The relationship is complex and depends on multiple economic factors.
Q: Who tracks the Monetary Base?
A: The Federal Reserve tracks and reports the Monetary Base as part of its comprehensive monetary and financial statistics. The data is publicly available through the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) database.
Q: What causes changes in currency circulation?
A: Changes can result from Federal Reserve monetary policy, economic conditions, banking system dynamics, and shifts in public cash preferences.
Q: How frequently is this data updated?
A: The Monetary Base data is typically updated weekly by the Federal Reserve, providing near real-time insights into currency dynamics.
Q: What are the limitations of this metric?
A: While important, the Monetary Base alone doesn't capture the full complexity of money supply and economic activity. It should be analyzed alongside other economic indicators.
Related News
U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. econom...
Gen Z In the U.S. Shifts From Spending To Saving Habits
How Gen Z's Shift from Spending to Saving is Impacting the US Economy Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the spending habits of Gen Z, w...
S&P 500 Rises With Optimistic U.S. Inflation Report
S&P 500 Soars: Positive U.S. Inflation Developments The S&P 500, a primary stock index that tracks the performance of 500 major U.S. companies, has...
U.S. Stock Market Futures Rise On Inflation and Tariff News
US Stock Market Futures Rise Amid Inflation Data and Tariff News US stock market futures are on the rise, driven by significant updates in inflatio...
U.S. Treasury Yields Decline After Inflation Data Meet Expectations
US Treasury Yields Drop as Inflation Data Meets Expectations US Treasury yields have seen a noticeable decline recently, as the latest inflation da...
U.S. Stock Market Rises Amid PCE Inflation Report Analysis
U.S. Stock Market Climbs Amidst Insights from PCE Inflation Report Investors in the U.S. stock market are focusing on the most recent PCE Inflation...
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Monetary Base: Currency in Circulation [MBCURRCIR], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025