If the economy is in decline, and the federal reserve wants to encourage banks to lend to consumers, which step will the fed likely take?
a. encourage the sale of government securities.
b. decrease the discount rate.
c. increase the federal funds rate.
d. raise the prime rate.

Barney corporation recognized a $100 million preferred stock balance on 12/31/2019. on january 1, 2020, barney issued $10 million in preferred dividends. on the same date, barney raised an additional $20 million via a new issuance of preferred stock. on december 31, 2020, the market value of the original amount of preferred shares rose $5 million. under us gaap, the 12/31/2020 year ending preferred stock balance is: