The Federal Reserve’s next scheduled FOMC meeting is December 8–9, 2026, with the rate decision on Wednesday, December 9, and it will include new economic projections. The Federal Open Market Committee meets eight times a year. Its statement comes out at 2:00 p.m. ET on the final day, followed by the Chair’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET. The minutes follow three weeks later. All dates below are from the Federal Reserve’s official calendar.
Key takeaways
- The final FOMC meeting of 2026 is scheduled for December 8–9, with a Summary of Economic Projections, according to the Federal Reserve.
- The Federal Reserve has scheduled eight FOMC meetings for 2027, starting January 26–27 and ending December 7–8.
- Minutes of each regularly scheduled FOMC meeting are released three weeks after the date of the policy decision.
FOMC meeting dates 2026
| Meeting dates | Projections (SEP) | Decision day |
|---|---|---|
| January 27–28 | No | Wednesday, January 28 |
| March 17–18 | Yes | Wednesday, March 18 |
| April 28–29 | No | Wednesday, April 29 |
| June 16–17 | Yes | Wednesday, June 17 |
| July 28–29 | No | Wednesday, July 29 |
| September 15–16 | Yes | Wednesday, September 16 |
| October 27–28 | No | Wednesday, October 28 |
| December 8–9 | Yes | Wednesday, December 9 |
FOMC meeting dates 2027
| Meeting dates | Projections (SEP) | Decision day |
|---|---|---|
| January 26–27 | No | Wednesday, January 27 |
| March 16–17 | Yes | Wednesday, March 17 |
| April 27–28 | No | Wednesday, April 28 |
| June 8–9 | Yes | Wednesday, June 9 |
| July 27–28 | No | Wednesday, July 28 |
| September 14–15 | Yes | Wednesday, September 15 |
| October 26–27 | No | Wednesday, October 27 |
| December 7–8 | Yes | Wednesday, December 8 |
The Fed says each meeting date is tentative until it is confirmed at the meeting before it. A two-day meeting is also scheduled for January 25–26, 2028.
What happens on Fed decision day
- 2:00 p.m. ET: the FOMC policy statement sets the target range for the federal funds rate and explains the decision. It comes with an implementation note.
- 2:30 p.m. ET: the Fed Chair’s press conference. Markets often move more on the answers than on the statement itself.
- Projection meetings (March, June, September and December) also release the Summary of Economic Projections, including the “dot plot” of where officials expect rates to go.
- Three weeks later: the minutes show how the debate went inside the committee.
Why the Fed calendar matters for the open
Stocks often trade cautiously in the days before a Fed decision. They can move sharply after 2:00 p.m. ET, and the next morning’s futures and pre-market trading show how investors digested it. Data released before a meeting, especially jobs and inflation reports, shapes expectations. Our economic calendar guide lists their release times. On decision days, our Economy coverage reports the outcome with the official statement linked.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Fed meeting?
December 8–9, 2026. The decision and statement come out at 2:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 9.
How many times a year does the Fed meet?
The FOMC holds eight scheduled meetings a year and can hold unscheduled meetings if conditions require.
What is the dot plot?
Part of the Summary of Economic Projections, released four times a year. It shows each official’s projection for the federal funds rate.
When are the FOMC minutes released?
Three weeks after each policy decision.
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026, by the PreMarket Daily editorial desk. Source: Federal Reserve, FOMC meeting calendars. Dates are tentative until confirmed by the Fed. This page is general information, not investment advice.