when does the fed announce rates

The Federal Reserve (Fed) announces its interest rate decisions eight times a year, approximately every six weeks, following Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings. In 2025, these meetings are scheduled for January 28-29, March 18-19, May 6-7, June 17-18, July 29-30, September 16-17, October 28-29, and December 9-10. Each meeting concludes with the Fed announcing whether it will raise, lower, or maintain interest rates. For 2025, the Fed's interest rate announcements are typically made at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on the second day of the meeting, followed by a press conference by the Fed Chair about 30 minutes later. For example, the next rate announcement is on September 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (18:00 UTC), after which Chair Jerome Powell will hold a press conference. The Fed sets its federal funds target rate based on economic conditions and signals its policy stance during these meetings. While there is no fixed schedule for rate changes, the announcements and accompanying statements provide guidance on future monetary policy moves.