Monitoring both interest rates and balance sheet actions of the Federal Reserve is crucial for understanding the monetary policy landscape. A potential expansion of the balance sheet, alongside decreasing interest rates, would signify a shift towards easy money policies. The recent banking crisis showcased the Federal Reserve's resilience, as initial market reactions anticipated a pivot in policy, but instead, the Fed maintained high interest rates and reduced the balance sheet significantly. This indicates a strategic stance against market expectations and illustrates the complexity of monetary policy dynamics.