Step 1: Define the money multiplier.
The money multiplier quantifies the relationship between the money supply and the monetary base (or high-powered money). It indicates the extent to which the money supply expands for each unit of monetary base. The formula is: \[\text{Money Multiplier} = \frac{1}{\text{Reserve Ratio}}.\]
Step 2: Evaluate the provided options.
- (A) It represents the ratio of the money stock to the monetary base: This statement is accurate. The money multiplier measures the money supply's expansion relative to the monetary base.
- (B) It is always less than one: This statement is inaccurate. The money multiplier typically exceeds one, unless the reserve ratio is 100%.
- (C) Its magnitude is contingent upon the reserve ratio and the currency-deposit ratio: This statement is accurate. The money multiplier's value is influenced by both the reserve ratio and the currency-deposit ratio, impacting the central bank's capacity for money supply expansion.
- (D) It exhibits an inverse correlation with the reserve ratio: This statement is accurate. The money multiplier is inversely proportional to the reserve ratio; an increase in the reserve ratio leads to a decrease in the money multiplier.
Step 3: Final determination.
Options (A), (B), and (D) are the correct descriptions of the money multiplier's relationship.