The next Federal Reserve interest rate decision is scheduled for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on March 17–18, 2026, with the actual rate announcement expected on March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (about 18:00 UTC).

Quick Scoop: When is the next Fed rate decision?

  • The Fed’s next rate decision window: FOMC meeting on March 17–18, 2026.
  • The formal policy statement and rate announcement typically come on the second day of the meeting, so markets are focused on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
  • This follows the prior meeting held January 27–28, 2026 , where the Fed left the federal funds rate at a 3.50%–3.75% target range.

In practical terms: traders, borrowers, and anyone watching mortgage or savings rates are circling March 18, 2026 on their calendars as the next moment when the Fed could change rates.

Why this date matters

  • The Fed meets eight times a year , about every six weeks, and every one of those meetings can bring a rate hike, cut, or hold.
  • After several cuts in late 2025, 2026 has started with the Fed on pause , keeping rates steady in January while signaling a data‑dependent approach for the rest of the year.
  • The March meeting is the first real test of whether the Fed’s pause continues or if a new phase of easing or renewed caution begins.

Recent trend and market chatter

  • At the January 2026 meeting, two officials (including Christopher Waller) argued for an immediate 25 bps cut , showing a clear split on the committee.
  • Market odds going into early 2026 lean toward the Fed holding in January and then potentially delivering one or two cuts over the course of 2026, depending on inflation and growth.
  • Futures pricing tools such as CME FedWatch are updating probabilities in real time as new data arrives, and investors are watching those into the March decision.

Mini timeline for 2026 Fed meetings

Here’s a simplified look at the key scheduled FOMC dates for 2026 that can bring rate decisions.

[9][1][5] [1][5] [7][1] [1][7]
Meeting dates (2026) Rate decision focus
January 27–28 Fed held rates at 3.50%–3.75%.
March 17–18 Next Fed rate decision; announcement expected March 18, 2:00 p.m. ET.
April 28–29 Later 2026 decision window; markets watching for further cuts or extended pause.
June 16–17 Mid‑year meeting, often important for signaling the second‑half path.

TL;DR

  • Next Fed rate decision: during the March 17–18, 2026 FOMC meeting , with the statement expected March 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
  • Current stance: Fed is on hold after January’s decision, with some internal dissent favoring more cuts.
  • Why you should care: That March decision could reset expectations for rates, the dollar, and risk assets for spring 2026 and beyond.

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