Fed Meeting Tracker

What the Fed decides

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets eight times a year to set the federal funds rate and guide monetary policy. Beyond the rate decision itself, markets parse the statement, the economic projections, and the Chair's press conference for clues about future moves.

Why investors watch it

• The Fed's rate decisions ripple into mortgages, loans, bond yields, and stock valuations.
• Markets often move more on the Fed's guidance about the future than on the decision itself.
• Expectations for Fed policy are a primary driver of inflation expectations and the dollar.

How Fed policy affects stocks, bonds, crypto, and gold

When the Fed signals higher rates for longer, bond yields tend to rise and growth stocks, gold, and crypto can come under pressure. A more dovish signal often lowers yields and supports risk assets. Because inflation data like CPI and PCE shapes what the Fed does, the meeting sits at the center of the macro picture.

What to watch in the next release

• Watch the rate decision, but focus on the guidance and the projections.
• Listen to the Chair's press conference for tone on inflation and growth.
• Compare the outcome to what markets had already priced in beforehand.