When is the US Fed meeting announcement today, March 18, 2026?

The policy statement will be released at 2 pm ET on March 18, 2026, followed by a press conference addressed by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

What are the current US interest rates?

The US Fed's benchmark interest rate currently stands in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

Why might the Fed keep interest rates unchanged?

Interest rates are expected to remain unchanged due to market sensitivity to oil prices amidst the US-Iran war, and an assessment of inflation and labor market conditions.

Home / Business and Economy / Fed Meeting Today: Rates Steady Amidst Oil Woes

Fed Meeting Today: Rates Steady Amidst Oil Woes

18 Mar

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Summary

Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting concludes today, March 18, 2026.
Interest rates are expected to remain unchanged due to oil price sensitivity.
This is the first Fed meeting since the US-Iran war began.

Fed Meeting Today: Rates Steady Amidst Oil Woes

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set to announce its latest policy decision today, March 18, 2026, following a two-day meeting. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will address the media later today to reveal the outcome.

Market expectations suggest that the benchmark interest rate, currently between 3.5% and 3.75%, will be held steady. This stability is attributed to market sensitivity concerning oil prices, particularly in light of the ongoing US-Iran war.

This FOMC meeting is significant as it is the first convened by the central bank since the commencement of the US-Iran conflict. Officials will assess key economic indicators, including inflation and labor market data, before finalizing their interest rate decision. The Fed last opted to hold rates unchanged at its January meeting, after implementing three consecutive 0.25% rate cuts previously.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.