The money supply refers to the total amount of money circulating in an economy, including cash, demand deposits, and other forms of money. Central banks play a crucial role in managing the money supply through monetary policy. They aim to control the money supply to maintain price stability and support overall economic stability. Central banks use various tools, such as open market operations, reserve requirements, and lending facilities, to influence the money supply. By buying or selling government securities in the open market, central banks can increase or decrease the money supply. Adjusting reserve requirements, which specify the minimum reserves banks must hold, also affects the money supply by influencing the lending capacity of banks. Additionally, central banks can provide liquidity to financial institutions through lending facilities during times of financial stress. By managing the money supply, central banks influence interest rates, borrowing costs, and overall economic activity. Understanding the relationship between the money supply and monetary policy helps businesses and individuals assess the impact of changes in monetary conditions on their financial decisions and economic activities.