What gets published
The FOMC announces its target range for the federal funds rate and the vote breakdown.
The policy statement explaining the committee's rationale and forward guidance.
Chair Powell holds a press conference at 14:30 ET to answer questions from journalists.
The Summary of Economic Projections ("dot plot") is published at the four quarterly meetings — not this meeting.
How to read it
Watch for the target range (e.g. "4.50%–5.00%"). A cut would be 25 or 50 basis points lower. An unchanged decision is signalled by "hold".
Dissents signal disagreement within the committee. A unanimous vote signals strong consensus; dissents reveal the direction of internal debate.
The statement is pre-approved; the press conference is where forward guidance can shift. Watch for language around "data dependent" and inflation trajectory.
Real interest rate →On the day
October 2026 · times in ETRate decision and policy statement published on federalreserve.gov.
Live press conference — Q&A with journalists on the policy outlook.
Decision explained with rate history and inflation context.