US Fed Decision, Jerome Powell April Speech: The US Federal Reserve will conclude its two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting today, where policymakers will decide the benchmark interest rate for the world’s largest economy. The outcome will be announced on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve’s previous outcome was on March 18, 2026, where they decided to keep the benchmark rate steady at the 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per ent target range for the second consecutive meeting.
Global markets are now watching closely to see whether Chair Jerome Powell and the committee continue on the easing path. Any move in US rates typically influences borrowing costs and capital flows across major economies.Notably, the April 29, 2026, press conference following the Fed meeting is widely anticipated to be Jerome Powell’s last as Federal Reserve Chair
Key Dates and Announcement Timing
The April FOMC meeting began on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, and will conclude on Wednesday, 29 April, 2026. Once the meeting ends, the Fed will release its policy decision and announce its stance on the benchmark rate.
Powell’s Press Conference
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will brief the media shortly after the policy announcement. He is expected to discuss the committee’s decision, the economic outlook, and the central bank’s forward guidance.
Where to Watch Powell’s Address
Investors can follow Powell’s press conference through the live stream on the US Federal Reserve’s official website,
What to Expect from the Meeting
Market expectations are strongly leaning toward a pause, with the Federal Reserve widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged at the upcoming meeting. Futures markets are currently pricing in a near-certain hold, with no rate action anticipated until well into 2027, according to a Reuters report.
The move would mark a continuation of the pause that has been in place since December, as policymakers take more time to evaluate inflation trends and the broader economic outlook. The US economy has shown resilience so far, backed by a stable labour market and steady consumer spending, even as upside risks to inflation persist, particularly amid elevated crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
