Number: RS22966
Title: Financial Turmoil: Comparing the Troubled Asset Relief Program to the Federal Reserve's Response
Authors: Marc Labonte, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: As financial conditions have deteriorated over the past year, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has greatly increased its lending to financial firms. It has also expanded the scope of eligible borrowers to include non-bank financial firms. As of October 1, 2008, the Fed had loans of $559 billion outstanding, compared with less than $1 billion outstanding one year earlier. In addition, it has provided financial assistance to Bear Stearns and American International Group (AIG). Some have asked why these loans have not restored financial stability, and if the purchase of up to $700 billion of distressed assets through the recently enacted Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) might lead to a different result. H.R. 1424, signed into law on October 3 (P.L.110-343), authorizes the creation of TARP.
Pages: 5
Date: October 8, 2008