Fed meeting live updates: Potential drama ahead if Powell hints he will hang around
CNBC
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Federal Reserve policymakers are set to announce their latest interest rate decision, which is anticipated to be the final one under Jerome Powell's chairmanship. Market expectations point towards a continuation of current monetary policy, with a high probability of rates remaining unchanged.
- The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will convene to deliberate and announce its decision on interest rates. This meeting is highly anticipated as it is expected to be the last rate-setting decision overseen by Jerome Powell before a potential shift in leadership.
- Market participants widely predict that the FOMC will maintain the current federal funds rate. This expectation is based on recent economic indicators and signals from Fed officials.
- The decision will be released at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The outcome will be closely watched for any indications of future monetary policy direction, especially concerning inflation and employment figures.
- While the immediate decision is expected to be a hold, analysts will scrutinize the accompanying statement for nuances and forward-looking guidance. This will provide insights into the Fed's assessment of the economic landscape and its strategy for managing inflation and supporting economic growth.
