In 2007–2009, the Federal Reserve, acting as a lender of last resort, stepped in to provide funds when private markets were unable to do so. The Fed also took over many banks. In 2007, it seized 3 banks; in 2008, it seized 25 banks; and in 2009, it seized 140 banks. Go to www.fdic.gov; under “Bank Closing Information,”

click on “Complete Failed Bank List.” Then count the number of banks that the Federal Reserve has seized so far this year. Have bank failures decreased since the crisis in 2009?