The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will hold its next meeting on September 15-16, 2026, following a robust August employment report. U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, significantly exceeding the anticipated 55,000, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. The strong labor data has influenced market expectations about the Fed's next policy move.
The committee will convene Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15-16. This meeting will include a Summary of Economic Projections and updated economic forecasts on inflation, employment, and interest rates. The policy decision will be announced at 2:00 p.m. ET on September 16, followed by a press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Rate Hike Expectations
According to the latest CME FedWatch data, markets are pricing in a 58.4% probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike, with a 41.6% chance rates remain unchanged. A hike would move the current target range from 3.50%-3.75% to 3.75%-4.00%.
Key factors influencing the decision include August wage growth, with average hourly earnings up 3.1% year-over-year, and upcoming inflation data. The August Consumer Price Index is scheduled for release on September 11, providing policymakers with fresh inflation figures days before the meeting.
How to Follow the Meeting
Investors can follow the announcement on the Federal Reserve's official website, where both the policy statement and press conference will be available. The decision could trigger significant market movements across stocks, Treasury yields, the U.S. dollar, and cryptocurrencies.
