Memorandum Items: Ratio of Gold Certificate Reserves to Deposit and Federal Reserve Note Liabilities Combined
MRAGGCTGGCLIB • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.26
Year-over-Year Change
-6.05%
Date Range
3/2/1949 - 3/13/1968
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the ratio of gold certificate reserves relative to combined deposit and Federal Reserve note liabilities. It provides insight into the monetary backing and financial stability of the U.S. currency system.
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
The trend represents a historical measure of monetary reserve strength, reflecting the proportion of gold certificates held against total financial obligations. Economists use this metric to understand historical monetary policy and the evolution of the U.S. financial system.
Methodology
Data is collected and calculated by the Federal Reserve through comprehensive accounting of gold certificates and total monetary liabilities.
Historical Context
This trend is primarily used in academic and historical economic research to analyze monetary policy transitions and gold standard era financial mechanisms.
Key Facts
- Reflects historical monetary reserve practices
- Indicates the gold-backed proportion of U.S. currency liabilities
- Provides insight into pre-fiat currency monetary systems
FAQs
Q: What does this ratio represent?
A: The ratio shows the proportion of gold certificates held against total monetary liabilities during a specific historical period.
Q: Why is this trend important?
A: It helps economists understand historical monetary policy and the transition from the gold standard to modern monetary systems.
Q: How is the ratio calculated?
A: The ratio is calculated by dividing gold certificate reserves by the combined total of deposit and Federal Reserve note liabilities.
Q: What does this trend tell us about monetary policy?
A: It provides insights into how the U.S. managed currency backing and financial stability during the gold standard era.
Q: Is this data still collected today?
A: Modern monetary systems no longer use this specific ratio, making it a historical economic indicator.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Memorandum Items: Ratio of Gold Certificate Reserves to Deposit and Federal Reserve Note Liabilities Combined [MRAGGCTGGCLIB], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025