Money moves the world, but Jerome Powell moves the money. If you've been watching the markets lately, you know that the federal funds rate is basically the heartbeat of the global economy. Everyone wants to know the exact dates for the FOMC 2025 meeting schedule because a single afternoon in a D.C. conference room can change your mortgage rate, your 401(k), and the price of your groceries.
Honestly, the Federal Reserve isn't trying to be mysterious. They post these dates well in advance. But people still get tripped up on which meetings actually matter and which ones are just "maintenance."
The Official 2025 Dates You Need to Know
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) usually meets eight times a year. In 2025, the schedule followed a very specific rhythm. Here is how those dates shook out for the year:
January 28–29 was the kickoff. March 18–19 followed. Then came May 6–7 and June 17–18. After the summer heat kicked in, they met July 29–30 and September 16–17. The year wrapped up with meetings on October 28–29 and the final huddle on December 9–10.
Why does the two-day format matter?
The first day is mostly for staff presentations. They look at the "Beige Book" and deep-dive into regional economic data. The second day—usually a Wednesday—is when the real action happens. That is when the vote occurs, the statement drops at 2:00 p.m. ET, and Powell starts talking to the press thirty minutes later.
Why Some Meetings Are More "Equal" Than Others
Not every meeting is a blockbuster. If you're looking at the FOMC 2025 meeting schedule, you have to spot the asterisks.
Four times a year, the Fed releases the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). This is the famous "dot plot." In 2025, these happened in March, June, September, and December. These are the meetings where we get more than just a rate decision; we get a roadmap. We see where every individual member of the committee thinks rates will be in one, two, and three years.
For example, the December 10, 2025, meeting was a massive deal. The committee ended up lowering the target range for the federal funds rate to 3.50%–3.75%. That was a 25-basis-point cut that followed earlier reductions in September and October.
🔗 Read more: 115 Dollars in Pounds: Why the Conversion Rate Always Feels Like a Lie
Interestingly, that December meeting wasn't a unanimous "yes."
Austan Goolsbee and Jeffrey Schmid actually argued for a hold. On the flip side, Governor Stephen Miran wanted a deeper 50-basis-point cut. When you see that kind of dissent, it tells you the Fed is "data-dependent" and very much divided on how fast to tap the brakes on inflation versus supporting the labor market.
What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes?
It’s easy to think of these meetings as just a vote. But the nuance is in the language.
Between the meetings, there is a "blackout period." This starts on the second Saturday before a meeting and ends the Thursday after. During this time, Fed officials aren't allowed to speak publicly or give interviews. It prevents them from accidentally (or intentionally) front-running the market.
If you see a flurry of Fed speakers in mid-April or early August, it’s because they’re trying to "message" the market before the cone of silence descends.
💡 You might also like: Why the 1000 Swiss Franc Note is Still a Big Deal in a Digital World
The Rotation Game
The voting members change. While the seven members of the Board of Governors and the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York always vote, the other four slots rotate among the remaining eleven regional bank presidents.
In 2025, the voting rotation included some heavy hitters who weren't always in the spotlight the year before. This rotation matters because a "hawk" (someone worried about inflation) might be replaced by a "dove" (someone worried about unemployment).
How to Trade the FOMC 2025 Meeting Schedule
If you’re an investor, you don't just look at the dates; you look at the "implied probability."
Traders use the CME FedWatch Tool to see what the "market" thinks will happen. If the market expects a 90% chance of a cut and the Fed stays flat, expect a bloodbath in the S&P 500.
Here is a quick reality check on how to use this schedule:
- Watch the 10-Year Treasury: It often moves before the meeting as big banks place their bets.
- Read the First Paragraph: The Fed often changes just one or two words in their statement (like changing "solid" to "moderate" when describing growth). That's a huge signal.
- Listen to the Q&A: Powell’s prepared remarks are scripted. His answers to reporters' questions are where the real "unscripted" clues live.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We are already into 2026, and the cycle is starting all over again. The first meeting of this year is January 27–28.
The Fed has signaled they might be more cautious with cuts this year. They've revised growth forecasts higher—looking at 2.3% for 2026 compared to earlier, more pessimistic estimates. They're also keeping a close eye on PCE inflation, which they expect to land around 2.4% by the end of this year.
The FOMC 2025 meeting schedule taught us that the Fed is willing to move even when they are divided. They aren't waiting for a perfect consensus. They are reacting to the data as it hits their desks.
Practical Next Steps
Now that 2025 is in the rearview, you should update your financial calendar for the 2026 dates.
The next major decision day is Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Set an alert for 2:00 p.m. ET. Check your variable-rate debts, like HELOCs or credit cards, because those will reflect these changes almost immediately. If you're planning on buying a home or refinancing, the weeks following the March 17–18 meeting will be the first "clean" look at how the 2026 economy is actually trending.
Stay disciplined with your portfolio. The "Fed pivot" is a slow-moving ship, not a jet ski.