Resources and Assets: Term Auction Credit
RATAC • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
3,410.00
Year-over-Year Change
-95.51%
Date Range
12/26/2007 - 4/7/2010
Summary
Term Auction Credit (RATAC) measures the volume of credit extended by the Federal Reserve through term auction facilities during periods of financial stress. This metric provides critical insight into central bank liquidity interventions and banking system stability.
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
RATAC represents a monetary policy tool used to inject liquidity into the financial system during credit market disruptions. Economists analyze this trend to understand the Federal Reserve's response to potential systemic financial risks and credit market constraints.
Methodology
Data is collected through Federal Reserve reporting of term auction credit volumes, tracking the amount and frequency of credit facility usage by financial institutions.
Historical Context
This metric is used in macroeconomic analysis to assess monetary policy effectiveness and financial system resilience during economic challenges.
Key Facts
- Introduced during the 2008 financial crisis as a targeted liquidity mechanism
- Allows banks to access Federal Reserve credit through auction processes
- Helps mitigate potential credit market freezes during economic stress
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of Term Auction Credit?
A: Term Auction Credit provides a mechanism for the Federal Reserve to inject liquidity into the banking system during periods of financial stress. It allows banks to access credit through competitive auctions.
Q: How does Term Auction Credit differ from traditional lending?
A: Unlike standard lending, Term Auction Credit offers more flexible terms and broader access to financial institutions, helping to prevent potential credit market disruptions.
Q: When is Term Auction Credit most likely to be used?
A: It is most commonly deployed during financial crises, economic downturns, or when traditional credit markets experience significant stress or reduced lending capacity.
Q: How does Term Auction Credit impact overall economic stability?
A: By providing emergency liquidity, this mechanism helps prevent potential banking system collapses and maintains credit flow during challenging economic periods.
Q: How frequently is Term Auction Credit data updated?
A: The data is typically updated weekly or monthly, depending on market conditions and Federal Reserve reporting schedules.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Resources and Assets: Term Auction Credit [RATAC], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025