U.S. Fed FOMC Meeting Calendar: Key Dates for 2026 Policy Decisions

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 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 October 2026: Fed Holds Rates at 3.75%-4.00%, Signals Cautious Approach as Inflation Remains Elevated

At its October 28, 2026 policy meeting, the Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate unchanged at a target range of 3.75%–4.00%, adopting a cautious approach as inflationary pressures continued to challenge policymakers. The widely anticipated decision followed September's 25-basis-point rate increase, which had brought benchmark borrowing costs to their current levels.

The decision was not unanimous, with two of the 12 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voting members favouring an additional 25-basis-point rate increase. The disagreement highlighted growing concerns over persistent inflation and the appropriate level of monetary policy restriction.

In its post-meeting statement, the Fed reiterated that inflation "remains elevated" and emphasised the need to assess additional economic information before determining its next policy move. While inflation is expected to remain above 3% in September, economic growth, consumer spending and employment conditions have remained relatively resilient.

Key Highlights:

• Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady: The FOMC maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.75%–4.00%, leaving borrowing costs unchanged following September's 25-basis-point increase. The decision reflects a patient approach as policymakers evaluate whether existing monetary restrictions are sufficient to bring inflation under control.

• Two Policymakers Support Additional Tightening: The decision was not unanimous, with two of the 12 voting members favouring a further 25-basis-point rate increase. The dissent underscores concerns that persistent inflation may require additional monetary policy tightening.

• Inflation Remains Above Target: The Fed reiterated that inflation remains elevated relative to its long-term 2% objective. Its preferred inflation gauge is expected to remain above 3% for September, including when volatile food and energy prices are excluded. Policymakers are concerned that price pressures have broadened beyond energy-related factors.

• Economic Growth Remains Resilient: Despite elevated borrowing costs, the US economy continues to demonstrate underlying strength. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow tracker indicated annualised growth of approximately 3.4% for the third quarter, supported by steady consumer spending and investment associated with artificial intelligence.

• Labour Market Supports a Patient Approach: Unemployment has remained relatively low, providing policymakers with flexibility to maintain interest rates while assessing incoming economic data. The combination of stable employment and resilient growth has reduced immediate pressure to ease monetary policy.

• Further Rate Increases Remain Possible: Although the Fed maintained rates in October, financial markets continue to anticipate the possibility of additional tightening. Earlier FOMC projections indicated support for another increase in 2026, but Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has avoided committing to a specific future interest rate path.

• Energy Prices and Broader Inflation Risks Persist: Higher energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran have contributed to inflation concerns. However, economists are increasingly focused on signs that price pressures are spreading beyond the energy sector, potentially complicating the Fed's efforts to restore price stability.

• Fed Emphasises Data-Dependent Policy Decisions: The central bank indicated that additional economic information would help determine the appropriate policy stance. The Fed is assessing inflation trends, employment conditions, economic activity and the impact of September's rate increase before considering further action.

• Monetary Policy Review Planned for 2027: During the post-meeting press conference, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh announced that one FOMC meeting in 2027 would focus exclusively on broader monetary policy strategy, with no federal funds rate vote or policy statement anticipated.

• What It Means for Markets: The decision reinforces expectations that US interest rates could remain elevated while inflation exceeds the Fed's target. Investors will closely monitor upcoming inflation readings, employment reports and economic growth indicators for signals about whether the central bank will resume raising rates before the end of 2026.

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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.