What happens when the FOMC decreases the amount of securities in the market?

When the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decreases the amount of securities in the market, it is engaging in contractionary monetary policy. This action typically involves selling government securities, which decreases the reserves of banks. Since banks have less money to lend out, the overall money supply in the economy decreases.

A reduced money supply can lead to higher interest rates, making borrowing more expensive and curbing spending and investment. This is a significant tool used by the FOMC to control inflation and stabilize the economy, but the immediate effect of selling securities and reducing their presence in the market is a decrease in the money supply. Thus, the correct response to the question aligns with this understanding of monetary policy and its impact on the availability of money in the economy.