Fiscal vs Monetary Policy: What Do You Need to Know?

In this article, we’re exploring fiscal vs monetary policy, explaining how they impact economic activity, interest rates, and ultimately the countries where you choose to bank.

So, if you are a foreigner seeking new financial relationships, such as opening a US bank account for non-residents, you should first consider how US fiscal and monetary policy could impact your accounts.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Fiscal vs Monetary Policy
  2. What Is the Difference Between Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy?
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?

Fiscal vs Monetary Policy

Fiscal policy and monetary policy are two forms of economic policy. However, there are key differences. Fiscal policy is implemented by the government, involving taxation and government spending while monetary policy is implemented by the central bank, involving interest rates, money supply, and inflation control.

Both fiscal and monetary policy aims to deliver economic stability and economic growth. Governments and central banks achieve this in different ways. However, economic volatility has resulted in fiscal and monetary policy coordination in most countries.

As mentioned in the introduction, foreign non-residents seeking banking relationships abroad should look to understand fiscal and monetary policy in the jurisdictions they are considering. At the very least, applicants should understand whether a country has a stable or volatile economic outlook.

There is a wide range of other considerations when deciding where to bank as well. These considerations range from the availability of methods to fund and withdraw such as TT or SWIFT payments and the availability of basic banking services.

What Is the Difference Between Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy?

The main difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy is that fiscal policy is the purview of the government of a country while monetary policy is the purview of the central bank of a country. Additionally, fiscal policy is generally focused on long-term economic change while monetary policy is focused on having a short-term and immediate impact.

Fiscal Policy

Fiscal policy is the purview of a nation’s government, used to impact the long-term economic trends of a country. The fiscal policy primarily involves government decisions related to taxation and government spending.

Monetary Policies

Monetary policies are the purview of a nation’s central bank (when they have one), used to impact short-term money supply and economic activity. The monetary policy primarily involves central bank decisions related to interest rates, money supply, and credit conditions.

Do You Want More USA Banking Insights?

Sign up here to receive our Free USA Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking into fiscal vs monetary policy. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What Is One Major Difference Between Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy?

One major difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy is the responsible parties making the decisions and implementing the policy. In the case of fiscal policy, the government is the party responsible for making decisions and implementation. On the other hand, monetary policy is determined and implemented by the central bank. In most cases, the government and central bank are separate entities, theoretically operating separately from one another.

Is Fiscal or Monetary More Effective?

Fiscal and monetary policies typically impact the economy on different time horizons, so their effectiveness is measured differently. For example, fiscal policy is generally used to impact long-term trends while monetary policy is used for short-term impact on the economy. In other words, both fiscal or monetary policy can be effective, but in different ways and over different time horizons.

What Is an Example of a Monetary Policy?

A common example of monetary policy is the adjustment of interest rates by central banks. Central banks make these adjustments to impact consumer spending behavior, lowering to stimulate spending and increasing to slow spending. They can do this directly by increasing and decreasing the central bank rate and also by buying and selling government securities on the open market.

Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?

If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US banking service) in just a few clicks.

GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.

When you join, you receive…

+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.

+ Step-by-step support to navigate opening US bank accounts.

+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.

+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new US bank account.

And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.

In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.

To learn more about GlobalBanks USA, visit the product page to see how our team can help you successfully open US bank accounts!

Share This Article on Your Favorite Platform
GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

Sorry, but you cannot copy the content on this page.