FOMC Meeting Schedule 2026: Dates, Times & Market Impact
The Federal Open Market Committee sets the federal funds rate and publishes a policy statement after each meeting. Minutes arrive three weeks later. In 2026, Chair Kevin Warsh's guidance framework makes every communication a repricing event.
Next release
FOMC Rate Decision (July 2026) + Warsh Press Conference (18:30 UTC)
Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · 18:00 UTCforecast: 3.50-3.75% hold (~62-65% priced; ~35% hike to 3.75-4.00%)
View on calendar →What it is
Eight scheduled FOMC meetings per year (sometimes more in crises). Each produces a rate decision, statement, SEP/dot plot on quarterly cycles, and a chair press conference. Minutes document the internal debate.
Why traders care
Rate expectations flow through the entire risk complex: USD, Treasury yields, gold (via real yields), crypto beta, and equity multiples. Even hold meetings move markets when the statement or press conference shifts the cutting/hiking bias.
Release schedule
Statement typically 18:00 UTC on decision day (14:00 ET DST); minutes three weeks later.
Typical time: 18:00 UTC statement; 18:30 UTC press conference (DST)
All 2026 FOMC dates
Every scheduled FOMC release for 2026, from the official calendar. Upcoming dates also appear on our live economic calendar with forecasts and market impact notes.
| Date | Release |
|---|---|
| Wed, 28 Jan 2026 | FOMC meeting · Jan 27–28 |
| Wed, 18 Mar 2026 | FOMC meeting · Mar 17–18 (SEP + dot plot) |
| Wed, 29 Apr 2026 | FOMC meeting · Apr 28–29 |
| Wed, 17 Jun 2026 | FOMC meeting · Jun 16–17 (SEP + dot plot) |
| Wed, 29 Jul 2026Next | FOMC meeting · Jul 28–29 |
| Wed, 16 Sept 2026 | FOMC meeting · Sep 15–16 (SEP + dot plot) |
| Wed, 28 Oct 2026 | FOMC meeting · Oct 27–28 |
| Wed, 9 Dec 2026 | FOMC meeting · Dec 8–9 (SEP + dot plot) |
Assets most affected
Frequently asked questions
What time is the FOMC decision?
The statement and rate decision are released at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (18:00 UTC during daylight saving), with the Chair's press conference following at 2:30 PM ET.
How many FOMC meetings are there in 2026?
Eight scheduled meetings. The March, June, September and December meetings include the Summary of Economic Projections and the dot plot, which often move markets more than the rate decision itself.
When are the FOMC minutes released?
Three weeks after each meeting at 2:00 PM ET. Minutes can reprice rate expectations when they reveal a different internal debate than the statement suggested.
Full trading playbook:
Read the FOMC guide →