Japan’s economy has problems that, undoubtedly, are more complex than monetary policy might be expected to solve. But other kinds of policy actions stand a better chance of success when monetary policy is transparent. Transparency means that market participants’ anticipations of central bank...

New regulations will change the way credit is rationed at the Federal Reserve's discount window. The Reserve Banks used to charge a below-market discount rate and rely on loan officers to restrict access to loans. Under the new system, the discount rate normally will be significantly higher than...

Computers and telecommunications devices may replace paper currency and checks—some day. Indeed, electronic methods of transferring money have become widely used. Recently, however, discussion of “electronic money” has taken a new turn, zeroing in on the extent to which holding new forms...

In January 1999, the new European Central Bank began manufacturing a new money-the euro-and took over the operations of 11 nations' monetary systems. This Commentary outlines the ECB's institutions and operations, exploring some of the political economy issues that face the new central banking...