Current monetary policy

a. Go to FRED database and download monthly data from 1980 to the present for the effective federal funds rate. Download your graph and submit it with your assignment.
b. In late 2008, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate to zero. How does the timing of this change in the federal funds rate overlap with the 2008 financial crisis (note that the recession is shaded on your FRED graph)? What does this imply about the efficacy of standard monetary policy (open market operations) as a policy tool with which to combat the 2008 crisis?
c. Current monetary policy: Go to the website for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and download the most recent monetary policy press release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Based on this report, briefly summarize the current stance of monetary policy.