Why it matters
Its decisions on rates and money supply move loan costs, currencies and markets for everyone in the economy.
Central bank in the news
More Economy terms
Economy
National debt
The total amount a government owes to lenders, built up from past budget deficits.
Economy
Interest rate
The price of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed. A central bank sets a benchmark rate that other rates follow.
Economy
Inflation
The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time, usually measured over twelve months.