UPDATED: Feb 16, 2026 — If you’re asking “when is the next Fed meeting?”, this page is your fast answer. Below is the simple way to track Federal Reserve meeting timing, decision release windows, and the key signals markets react to.
Quick answer: when is the next Fed meeting?
Next Fed meeting: March 17–18, 2026
Rate decision expected: March 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET
Press conference: Approximately 2:30 PM ET (if scheduled)
Full 2026 FOMC Meeting Schedule
- January 27–28, 2026
- March 17–18, 2026
- May 5–6, 2026
- June 16–17, 2026
- July 28–29, 2026
- September 15–16, 2026
- November 3–4, 2026
- December 15–16, 2026
Note: FOMC rate decisions are typically released at 2:00 PM ET on the second day of the meeting, followed by a press conference when scheduled.
Note: Fed schedules can shift. If you want the exact current listing, use the official Fed calendar (linked below) and keep this page bookmarked for the “what it means” layer.
Official schedule source
Federal Reserve (official): FOMC calendars and meeting information
What markets watch on Fed day
- The statement: The language changes matter more than the headline.
- Press conference tone: Traders listen for “higher for longer” vs “data dependent” emphasis.
- Dot plot (when released): Not every meeting includes it — but when it does, it moves expectations.
- Rate path expectations: Markets reprice fast when wording changes.
Why the Fed meeting matters for regular people
Even if you never trade a stock, Fed decisions affect borrowing costs and the direction of rates — mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and business lending. A single change in expectations can move markets for weeks.
Related “utility” links on MadMadNews
This page is updated as schedules evolve.