US Fed FOMC Meeting: The April 2026 meeting of the United States Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to end with rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% as questions linger over inflation and the labour market. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, possibly in his final meeting before successor Kevin Warsh takes over, is likely to emphasise caution.
According to Reuters, markets anticipate no immediate rate cuts as policymakers weigh elevated energy prices and global uncertainties. However, one of the most closely watched events of this latest Fed meeting will be Powell's post-meeting press conference as the stakeholders closely watch for signals on future policy direction and leadership transition.
What To Expect?
In its Wednesday conference, the FOMC is expected to hold rates steady, as inflation remains above the 2% target and the US labour market, while softer, is still not weak enough to justify easing policy, Reuters reported.
"On the dual mandate, they'd say we're roughly at a stable labour market," Roger Ferguson, an economist and former vice chair at the Fed, told CNBC. "On the inflation side of the mandate, [there's] a lot more work to be done with a sticky 3% [inflation rate], and I hope they argue, 'we're going to sit tight for a little while to see how this all plays out,'" he added.
Similarly, Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle expects the Fed to acknowledge stronger labour data and higher inflation but keep guidance unchanged.
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Economists are of the view that Powell's press conference may signal openness to future rate hikes if inflation rises. The question of whether Powell will remain on the Fed's Board of Governors after his term ends on May 15 could also be addressed.
US Fed Meeting April 2026: Date And Time
The FOMC's latest statement will be released at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Wednesday, April 29, with Powell's press conference to follow half an hour later.
US Fed Meeting April 2026 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
Powell's press conference following the meeting will be streamed live on NDTV Profit's YouTube channel. The Federal Reserve will also livestream the press conference on its official platforms, allowing the public and investors to tune in. You can watch the streaming on Federal Reserve YouTube channel here.
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