The Federal Reserve is set to hold its next policy meeting on April 28–29, as officials continue to assess the economic outlook and the trajectory of interest rates.
The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee meets eight times a year to review key indicators such as inflation, growth and employment, and decide on the federal funds rate. Its most recent meeting was held on March 17–18, where policymakers opted to keep rates unchanged.
So far in 2026, the Fed has maintained its benchmark rate, following a series of cuts in 2024 and 2025. Markets are now closely watching for signals on whether rate cuts could resume later this year.
FOMC decisions have wide-ranging implications, influencing borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and loans, as well as returns on savings. Policy statements and projections released after each meeting also provide insights into the central bank’s economic outlook.
The Fed typically releases its policy decision at 2 p.m. ET on the final day of the meeting, followed by a press conference by Chair Jerome Powell. Minutes of the meeting are published around three weeks later.
At its March meeting, the Fed said it would keep the federal funds rate in the 3.5%–3.75% range, adding that it would “carefully assess incoming data” while remaining committed to its goals of maximum employment and 2% inflation.
Fed Meeting Schedule 2026
| Meeting Dates | Notes |
|---|---|
| January 27–28 | |
| March 17–18 | *Summary of Economic Projections |
| April 28–29 | Next meeting |
| June 16–17 | *Summary of Economic Projections |
| July 28–29 | |
| September 15–16 | *Summary of Economic Projections |
| October 27–28 | |
| December 8–9 | *Summary of Economic Projections |
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Meetings marked with an asterisk include a Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), offering deeper insight into the Fed’s outlook on growth, inflation and interest rates.
