The Federal Reserve (Fed) has been supporting the housing market during the virus crisis, the 2020 recession, and the subsequent, ongoing recovery via asset-backed purchases (among other tools), including $40 billion a month of mortgage-backed security (MBS) purchases. These MBS purchases have held interest rates lower than they otherwise would have been. The Fed has moved closer to announcing a tapering or gradual cessation of these purchases, as it supports the goal of maximum employment and price stability.