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 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 March 2026: Fed Holds Rates at 3.50%–3.75%, Signals a Hawkish Pause

On March 18, 2026, the Jerome Powell–led Federal Reserve kept the federal funds target range unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%, extending the pause in rate cuts that began in January following the easing cycle of late 2025.

The decision reflects a cautious but slightly more hawkish stance, as policymakers balance resilient economic growth with persistent inflation pressures and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained its policy stance with minimal changes to its statement. However, Governor Miran dissented once again, advocating for an immediate rate cut, highlighting some divergence within the committee.

Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that the Fed is well-positioned to remain patient, but also signalled increased uncertainty in the outlook. While the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) did not materially change the median rate path, several members shifted toward fewer expected rate cuts, indicating a more cautious easing trajectory.

Key Highlights:

• Rates on Hold: The Fed held the benchmark interest rate steady at 3.50%–3.75%, in line with market expectations, marking a continued pause after the rate cuts delivered between September and December 2025.

• Policy Outlook & SEP Signals: The median rate forecast remains unchanged, with one cut expected in 2026 and another in 2027. However, internal shifts suggest a growing inclination among policymakers toward fewer cuts, reflected in a slight upward movement in the average rate projections.

• Inflation Outlook: Inflation forecasts were revised higher, with core inflation now expected at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027. Powell acknowledged that inflation progress toward the 2% target continues but remains incomplete, with near-term pressures likely to persist.

• Growth Outlook: The Fed upgraded its economic growth projections, with GDP expected to grow 2.4% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027, signalling confidence in economic resilience despite external risks.

• Labour Market: Labour conditions remain broadly stable but mixed. Recent data showed volatility in job creation and a slight rise in unemployment to 4.4%, though underlying indicators still point to a steady labour market.

• Geopolitical Risks & Oil Shock: A key new concern is the Middle East conflict, which has driven oil prices close to $100 per barrel. The Fed explicitly flagged uncertainty around its economic impact. Higher oil prices are expected to:
  
  - Push headline inflation up by ~0.8 percentage points
  - Add ~0.3 percentage points to core inflation
  - Reduce GDP growth by roughly 0.25 percentage points

• Powell’s Tone: Powell struck a mildly hawkish tone, downplaying the reliability of current projections amid elevated uncertainty. He noted that the effects of the oil shock are not fully captured and emphasised that future policy will remain data-dependent, with no preset path for 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.