Resources and Assets: Bills Discounted: Total Bills Discounted
RABDTBD • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
30.00
Year-over-Year Change
-69.39%
Date Range
2/17/1999 - 4/11/2018
Summary
The 'Total Bills Discounted' trend tracks the total value of commercial bills that financial institutions have discounted, representing a key indicator of short-term credit market activity. This metric provides insights into business lending dynamics and potential economic liquidity.
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
Bills discounting represents a financial mechanism where banks purchase short-term commercial bills at a discount before their maturity date, effectively providing immediate liquidity to businesses. Economists analyze this trend to understand credit market conditions, business financing patterns, and potential economic stress signals.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive bank reporting systems that track the total value of commercial bills purchased by financial institutions at a discount.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers and central banks to assess short-term credit market health and potential monetary policy interventions.
Key Facts
- Represents the total value of commercial bills purchased at a discount
- Indicates short-term credit market activity and business financing trends
- Provides insights into potential economic liquidity conditions
FAQs
Q: What does 'bills discounted' mean?
A: Bills discounted refers to the process where banks purchase commercial bills before their maturity date at a reduced value, providing immediate funds to businesses.
Q: Why do banks discount bills?
A: Banks discount bills to provide businesses with immediate liquidity and earn a profit from the difference between the bill's face value and the discounted purchase price.
Q: How is the RABDTBD trend calculated?
A: The trend is calculated by aggregating the total value of commercial bills purchased at a discount across reporting financial institutions.
Q: What does this trend indicate about the economy?
A: A high volume of discounted bills can suggest strong business financing activity, while a low volume might indicate reduced credit market liquidity.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: Typically, this data is updated periodically by the Federal Reserve, with frequency depending on reporting cycles and data collection methods.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Resources and Assets: Bills Discounted: Total Bills Discounted [RABDTBD], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025