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This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) — a division of the Federal Reserve responsible for setting monetary policy — will meet again to evaluate the health of the economy and make key decisions regarding the federal funds rate.
In January, the Fed decided to hold its benchmark rate steady. However, there may be rate cuts at some point in 2026.
These decisions impact not only how the economy functions as a whole but also everyday consumers, as they influence rates on savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and more.
Statements and forecasts released during FOMC meetings provide valuable information on the economic outlook. Knowing when the Fed meets to discuss monetary policy and make important decisions can help you get a snapshot of the economy’s overall health and adjust your own financial strategy accordingly.
Read more: Why you should open a CD account before the Fed’s next meeting
The FOMC holds eight regularly scheduled meetings per year. Its most recent meeting took place Dec. 9-10, 2025. The next one is scheduled for March 17-18 2026.
Here’s the Fed’s full meeting schedule for 2026:
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January 27-28
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March 17-18*
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April 28-29
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June 16-17*
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July 28-29
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September 15-16*
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October 27-28
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December 8-9*
* Meeting associated with a Summary of Economic Projections.
At these meetings, policymakers assess the health of the economy by evaluating economic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), gross domestic product (GDP), and the unemployment rate to shape monetary policy.
The minutes of regularly scheduled meetings are released three weeks after the date of the policy decision. The live press conferences held by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell are also livestreamed and recorded.
Once each meeting concludes, the FOMC releases its policy decisions at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Then the Fed Chairman holds a press conference at 2:30 p.m.
Read more: How a Fed rate cut affects your bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and investments
The next meeting is expected to provide Americans with an update on the federal funds rate. The Fed lowered its target rate three times in 2024, and three more times in 2025. However, it did not change the federal funds rate after its most recent meeting in January 2026 and issued the following statement:
“In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3‑1/2 to 3‑3/4 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.”
Experts believe that the Fed will reduce the federal funds rate again in 2026. However, the number and size of these rate cuts remain to be seen.
Read more: How much control does the president have over the Fed and interest rates?
It’s not possible to predict with certainty what the Fed will decide regarding the federal funds rate. That said, many economists expect a rate cut later in 2026.
The FOMC holds eight regularly scheduled meetings per year. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the committee will decide to change rates at every meeting. Members assess the economy’s performance and the committee adjusts monetary policy accordingly.
The Fed’s current target range is 3.5%-3.75%.