NewsJanuary 8, 2025·Updated January 20, 2025
FOMC Meeting Calendar 2025: What to Expect
Complete schedule of Federal Reserve FOMC meetings in 2025, plus expert analysis on what each meeting might bring for interest rates.
By FedRateCalc Team·7 min read
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets eight times per year to set monetary policy. Understanding these meetings can help you plan major financial decisions.
2025 FOMC Meeting Schedule
| Meeting Dates | Statement Release | Summary of Projections |
|---|---|---|
| January 28-29 | January 29 | No |
| March 18-19 | March 19 | Yes |
| May 6-7 | May 7 | No |
| June 17-18 | June 18 | Yes |
| July 29-30 | July 30 | No |
| September 16-17 | September 17 | Yes |
| November 4-5 | November 5 | No |
| December 16-17 | December 17 | Yes |
What Happens at FOMC Meetings
Day 1 - Review of economic conditions - Staff presentations on financial markets - Discussion of monetary policy options
Day 2 - Policy vote - Statement preparation - Press conference (8 meetings per year)
Key Elements to Watch
The Statement The official statement is analyzed word-by-word for subtle changes in language that might signal future policy shifts. Key phrases to watch: - "Inflation remains elevated" vs. "Inflation has eased" - "Labor market remains tight" vs. "Labor market is cooling" - "Further increases" vs. "Maintain rates"
The Dot Plot Released quarterly, shows each FOMC member's projection for future rates. The median projection often moves markets significantly.
Powell's Press Conference Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments can move markets as he elaborates on the committee's thinking and responds to questions.
How Markets React
Before the Meeting - Speculation builds based on economic data - "Fed funds futures" show market expectations - Mortgage rates may adjust in anticipation
During/After - Immediate reaction to statement language - Volatility during press conference - Continued adjustment over following days
Planning Around FOMC Meetings
For Home Buyers - Consider locking rates before meetings with uncertain outcomes - Be prepared for volatility in the days following meetings - Watch for clear signals about the rate trajectory
For Investors - Understand that market reactions can be unpredictable - Focus on long-term trends rather than single meetings - Diversification helps manage Fed-related volatility
For Borrowers - Time refinancing around favorable Fed signals - Build emergency funds before potential rate increases - Consider fixed rates if hikes are expected
2025 Rate Outlook
Economic projections suggest: - Continued focus on achieving 2% inflation target - Potential for rate cuts if inflation continues falling - Data-dependent approach to each meeting
Stay informed by checking our homepage for the countdown to each FOMC meeting and real-time rate updates.