What is the main purpose of the FDIC?

The primary purpose of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is to protect bank depositors through insurance. Established in response to widespread bank failures during the Great Depression, the FDIC provides deposit insurance that guarantees depositors will not lose their money if an insured bank fails. This protection instills confidence in the banking system, encouraging individuals to deposit their savings in banks. The insurance covers various deposit accounts, such as savings, checking, and certificates of deposit, up to the insurance limit, which promotes financial stability and consumer trust in the banking industry.

Other choices do not align with the FDIC's core mission. Monitoring the stock market is beyond its mandate, loan underwriting guidelines are typically the domain of individual banks and regulatory bodies, and managing real estate investment trusts is unrelated to the FDIC's role in safeguarding consumer deposits. Thus, the correct answer effectively encapsulates the FDIC's essential function in the financial system.