M2

M2 is defined as a “measure of money supply that includes checking deposits (M1) cash as well as (what is colloquially referred to as) near money”.

Near Money

“Near money” in the case of M2 includes mutual funds available in the money markets, also savings deposits and other types of time deposits, which are less liquid than cash and as such are not suitable as cash-on-hand exchange mediums but may however be quickly converted into either cash or checking deposits.

The American Fed or Federal Reserve System classifies M2 as “M1 plus savings deposits, small-denomination time deposits (those issued in amounts of less than $100,000), and retail money market mutual fund shares.”

M2 includes close substitutes for M1

M2 actually characterize not just M1 but also “close substitutes” for M1 and as such is a far wider classification of money as compared to M1.

M2 as economic indicator

M2 is by and large a very important economic indicator and is quite frequently used to forecast inflationary trends. In fact M2 forecasts recessionary trends to such an extent that it is widely used as a leading indicator of a nations’ economy.

M2 as opposed to M3

M2 is quite different from M3 in the sense that M3 not only includes both M1 as well as M2, but also large term deposits, institutional money market funds (some of which may be held by the mutual fund industry) along with other larger liquid assets. Typically they can’t be converted into cash reserves immediately and are therefore referred to as near money due to their perceived lack of liquidity in the money supply chain.

M3 is usually utilized by economists to create varying estimates of the total money supply available within the economic system of a country. It is also used by various governments to not only control inflation but also direct fiscal and monetary policies. This way it also helps control runaway inflation over both long as well as medium terms.

However, the American central bank has effectively stopped tracking M3 since the past decade or so.

M2 FAQ

What is m2 today?

US M2 Money Supply is currently at 18.89T, showing an increase of0.30% from 18.84T last week, as against a 24.42% increase from 15.19T in 2019.

Are m1 and m2 really money?

M1 and M2 money are defined in various forms. M1 = coins and currency in circulation + checkable (demand) deposit + traveler’s checks. M2 = M1 + savings deposits + money market funds + certificates of deposit + other time deposits.

What is m1 m2 m3 in money supply?

M1, M2, and M3 are called United States money aggregates. They are measures of the money supply in the United States. M1 includes money in circulation plus checkable deposits in banks. M2 includes M1 plus savings deposits (less than $100,000) and money market mutual funds. M3 includes M2 plus large time deposits in banks.

What is m1 m2 and m3 money?

M1, M2, and M3 are called United States money aggregates. They are measures of the money supply in the United States. M1 includes money in circulation plus checkable deposits in banks. M2 includes M1 plus savings deposits (less than $100,000) and money market mutual funds. M3 includes M2 plus large time deposits in banks.

What does m2 consist of?

M1, M2, and M3 are called United States money aggregates. They are measures of the money supply in the United States. M1 includes money in circulation plus checkable deposits in banks. M2 includes M1 plus savings deposits (less than $100,000) and money market mutual funds.

What is m2 money supply today?

US M2 Money Supply is currently at 18.89T, showing an increase of0.30% from 18.84T last week, as against a 24.42% increase from 15.19T in 2019.

Further Reading

  • Effects of fiscal deficit and money M2 supply on inflation: Evidence from selected economies of Asia – papers.ssrn.com [PDF]
  • Demand for M2 in Malaysia. – elibrary.ru [PDF]
  • Analysis of China's Excessively High Level of M2/GDP from the Perspective of Currency Anti-substitution [J] – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]
  • On the Long-term Effect of M2 Growth on Real Output [J] – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]
  • Study of the Applicability of M1 and M2 as a Monetary Policy Intermediate Target [J] – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]
  • The Empirical Analysis of the Ratio of M2 to GDP [J] – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]
  • The Rethinking of the Elements Pushing M2/GDP to a Abnormally High Level: the Essence of the Global Financial Crisis [J] – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]
  • Fecal pyruvate kinase (M2-PK): a new predictor for inflammation and severity of pouchitis – www.tandfonline.com [PDF]
  • An Empirical Study on Influencing Factors of High M2/GDP in China – en.cnki.com.cn [PDF]