Federal Reserve's earnings remittances to the Treasury 2013-2023

Between 2013 and 2023, the Federal Reserve's earnings remittances to the United States Department of the Treasury experienced significant fluctuations. The remittances reached their highest point in 2015. However, in 2023, these remittances took an unprecedented turn, amounting to approximately negative 116 billion U.S. dollars - a dramatic decrease compared to previous years. The unusual situation of negative earnings remittances typically occurs during periods of rapidly rising interest rates. As the Fed increases interest rates to combat inflation, it pays higher interest on reserves held by commercial banks. Simultaneously, the value of its bond holdings may decrease, potentially leading to unrealized losses. When these costs surpass the Fed's income from its assets, it results in negative earnings, effectively creating a deferred asset rather than making a payment to the Treasury.