The next Federal Reserve interest rate decision is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (18:00 UTC) , at the end of the January 27–28 FOMC meeting.

Quick Scoop: When is the Fed rate decision?

  • The Fed’s policy committee (the FOMC) meets on January 27–28, 2026.
  • The rate decision statement typically drops at 2:00 PM ET (18:00 UTC) on the second day of the meeting, i.e., January 28, 2026.
  • A press conference with the Fed Chair usually starts around 2:30 PM ET (18:30 UTC).

Other 2026 Fed meeting dates

The Fed has eight scheduled FOMC meetings in 2026 , each ending with a rate decision. Key date ranges:

  • January 27–28
  • March 17–18*
  • April 28–29
  • June 16–17*
  • July 28–29
  • September 15–16*
  • October 27–28
  • December 8–9*

(*Meetings marked with an asterisk include an updated Summary of Economic Projections, often making them more market-sensitive.)

Why this is a trending topic now

  • The Fed started cutting rates in late 2025 , bringing the target federal funds range to 3.50%–3.75% as of the December 2025 meeting.
  • Markets are watching January 27–28, 2026, as the next big opportunity for another move, depending on how inflation and growth data evolve.

In forum and market chatter, people are focusing on whether January’s decision will confirm a gradual easing path or signal that the Fed is pausing to reassess incoming data.

Mini FAQ

  1. How often does the Fed decide on rates?
    About eight times a year , roughly every six weeks, at scheduled FOMC meetings.
  1. Exact time to watch?
    • Rate statement: 2:00 PM ET (18:00 UTC) on January 28, 2026.
 * **Press conference:** 2:30 PM ET (18:30 UTC).

Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.