Curious about when the next FOMC meeting or U.S. Fed meet is happening? You're not alone — these dates influence global interest rates, markets, and investment strategy. Let’s break down what the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is, why its Fed Interest rate meeting matters, and calendar dates for 2025 and 2026.

The FOMC, shorthand for Federal Open Market Committee, meets roughly eight times annually to set the federal funds rate and review monetary policy. These are commonly known as FOMC meetings or U.S. Fed meetings, and they often attract high attention around rate decisions.

FOMC Update January 2026: Fed Holds Rates at 3.50%–3.75%

On 28 January 2026, the Jerome Powell–led Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to hold the federal funds target range steady at 3.50%–3.75%, following three consecutive rate cuts delivered between September and December 2025.

The decision reflects growing confidence in the resilience of the U.S. economy, with Chair Jerome Powell noting that risks to both inflation and employment have diminished, even though they have not disappeared entirely. Policymakers voted 10–2 in favour of holding rates, with two Fed governors dissenting and preferring an immediate reduction in borrowing costs.

Powell emphasised that the Fed is “well-positioned” to remain patient, signalling that further rate cuts are not imminent unless there is clear evidence of labour-market weakening or inflation resuming its downward path toward the 2% target.

Key Highlights:

• Rates on Hold: The FOMC maintained the federal funds rate at 3.50%–3.75%, pausing after three straight 25 bps cuts since September 2025.

• Policy Pause After Easing Cycle: December’s cut marked the third consecutive reduction, following a prolonged period of unchanged rates through 2024.

• Inflation Outlook: The Fed noted that upside risks to inflation have eased since December, though price pressures remain present. Powell reiterated that inflation progress toward the 2% goal is ongoing but incomplete.

• Labour Market: Labour-market risks have also moderated. While employment conditions remain solid, Powell acknowledged that a meaningful slowdown could warrant future policy easing.

• Dissent and Political Pressure: Two FOMC members dissented in favour of cutting rates, even as former President Donald Trump continued to publicly call for steeper and faster rate reductions.

• Economic Outlook: The Fed described the economy as “solid” and stressed that future policy decisions will remain data-dependent, with no preset path for additional rate cuts.

Invest in Indian Markets and Unlock Future Potential With 5paisa!

Open Account Now

2026 FOMC Calendar

Why the FOMC Calendar Matters to You

• Market movers: Rate decisions are revealed on the second day of each FOMC meeting, with a press conference typically soon after. Traders worldwide track these closely.
• Global ripple effects: Even if you don’t invest in U.S. markets, the Fed’s interest rate meetings can influence rates, currencies, and equities globally.
• Planning tools: Using this FOMC calendar helps investors prepare for high-volatility events and align strategies — from equity to forex.

Quick Takeaways

• There are eight scheduled FOMC meetings every year—a rhythm rarely interrupted unless extraordinary circumstances demand.
• Only a few — those marked with an asterisk — include projections on economic variables like GDP, inflation and unemployment.
• Post-meeting minutes are released roughly three weeks after, offering deeper insight into the rate decision and committee thinking.

How to Stay Updated on FOMC meet today or U.S. Fed meeting today

• Bookmark the official Federal Reserve FOMC Meeting Calendar pages.
• Monitor major financial news feeds when FOMC or U.S. Fed meeting today is trending.
• Or simply track our page on FOMC meeting calendar for all the latest updates.

Final Word

The Federal Open Market Committee shapes America’s monetary policy. By following the FOMC meeting schedule, investors gain foresight into rate trajectory, market movements, and policy signals that influence capital flows globally. Bookmark this page, check it ahead of major announcements, and trade or invest informed.