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M2 Money Supply — Money Supply Growth Chart

Follow the money. When the Fed expands M2, asset prices inflate. When it contracts, liquidity dries up and markets struggle. This chart shows you which regime we're in right now.

US Money Supply (M2)

Total money supply in circulation including cash, checking deposits, and easily convertible near money. Rapid growth can indicate inflationary pressure.

Thresholds (3-month % change): Negative >15% • Warning ≥10% • Positive <10%

POSITIVE

Today's 3-month change sits at the 65.1th percentile of 806 months since 1959.

Current Value
$23.1T
3-month Change
+425.4
3-month % Change
+1.88%

Historical Data

2.8 years • Current: 23052.3 • 3-month change: +425.4 (+1.88%) • Source: FRED M2SL, monthly

What Is M2 Money Supply?

M2 is the Federal Reserve's broadest commonly-used measure of money in the economy. It captures the total amount of money available for spending and investing.

M2 Components

  • Physical currency in circulation
  • Checking and savings deposits
  • Money market fund shares
  • Small-denomination time deposits

Growth Rate Signals

  • 5-8% growth: Goldilocks zone for markets
  • Above 10%: Inflationary risk building
  • Above 20%: Aggressive stimulus mode
  • Negative growth: Deflationary contraction risk

Money Supply and Asset Prices

There is a strong historical correlation between M2 growth and equity market performance. When money supply expands, excess liquidity seeks returns in stocks, real estate, and other assets. When it contracts, those same assets face selling pressure.

Expanding M2 (Bullish)

More money chasing the same assets pushes prices higher. The 40% M2 expansion in 2020-2021 fueled one of the fastest equity rallies in history.

Contracting M2 (Bearish)

In 2022-2023, M2 contracted for the first time since the 1930s during quantitative tightening. This coincided with significant equity and bond market drawdowns.

The Federal Reserve Connection

The Fed directly influences M2 through quantitative easing (QE) — buying bonds to inject money — and quantitative tightening (QT) — letting bonds mature to drain money. Interest rate decisions also affect money creation through bank lending. Understanding the Fed's current stance is essential for anticipating money supply trends and their market impact.

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Real Interest Rates

Inflation-adjusted rates driving real borrowing costs

Methodology

Every formula, source series and threshold behind these numbers

Money supply data sourced from the Federal Reserve. For educational purposes only. Not investment advice.