If long$-$term rates are influenced by Federal Reserve actions, this is most likely because $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.$

a$)$ the Federal Reserve sets the long$-$term rate directly

b$)$ the Treasury sets the long$-$term rate directly

c$)$ the short$-$term rate changes influenced by the Fed are expected to persist

d$)$ banks are following directions from regulators to change long$-$term rates

e$)$ none of the above