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FINANCIAL TERMS

Reverse Repo Facility

Description

Reverse repo facility means a central bank tool that allows financial institutions to place cash at the central bank in exchange for securities. In simple terms, it is a way for the central bank to absorb extra cash from the financial system. The reverse repo facility is important because it helps control short-term interest rates and manage liquidity. High usage may signal that there is a lot of cash looking for a safe place to park. For example, money market funds may use the Fed’s reverse repo facility to earn a safe overnight return. The reverse repo facility is not the same as bank deposits. It is a financial market operation between eligible institutions and the central bank.