So, you’re looking for a specific time on the clock. You want to know when does powell speak today, likely because your portfolio is twitching or you’re trying to figure out if the mortgage rates are about to do something weird.
Here is the straight talk: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is not scheduled to give a formal public address today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
I know, it’s frustrating when you’re hunting for a headline. But while the podium might be empty today, the situation behind the scenes is basically a powder keg. If you’re checking the calendar because the markets feel "off," you aren't imagining things. We are currently in a bizarre limbo between the massive drama of last week and the high-stakes FOMC meeting scheduled for January 27-28.
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The Ghost in the Machine: Why Everyone is Checking the Schedule
Usually, "Fed watching" is a boring hobby for people in suits. Not right now. We are currently navigating a historic clash between the White House and the Eccles Building.
Just a few days ago, on January 11, Powell dropped a bombshell video statement. He didn't talk about "transitory inflation" or "labor market tightening." He talked about a Department of Justice investigation. Specifically, he accused the DOJ of using a probe into the Fed’s headquarters renovation as a "pretext" to bully him into slashing interest rates.
When you ask when Powell speaks, you're usually looking for economic guidance. But today, the "speech" everyone is actually hearing is the deafening silence following that confrontation.
- The DOJ Subpoenas: Grand jury subpoenas were issued on January 9.
- The Trump Factor: President Trump has been vocal about wanting rates at near-zero "immediately."
- The "Shadow" Speeches: While Powell is quiet today, other Fed officials like Vice Chair Philip Jefferson and Governor Michelle Bowman just wrapped up a flurry of appearances on Friday, January 16.
When Will He Actually Get Behind a Mic?
If you're looking for the next time his words will move the needle on the S&P 500, mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
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That is the big one. It’s the second day of the first Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the year. Historically, the schedule is like clockwork:
- 2:00 PM ET: The Fed releases its formal policy statement.
- 2:30 PM ET: Jerome Powell holds his press conference.
That 2:30 PM slot is the most dangerous thirty minutes in finance. Traders parse every "um" and "ah" to see if he's folding to political pressure or standing his ground. Right now, the betting markets are pricing in a 96% chance that the Fed holds rates steady in January. They’re basically betting that Powell is going to ignore the noise and stay the course.
The Davos Wildcard
There is one "stealth" possibility to keep an eye on. The World Economic Forum in Davos is kicking off right now. While Powell isn't on the official Sunday program, the global elite—including a massive US delegation led by the President—are currently descending on the Swiss Alps.
It is very common for central bankers to get cornered for "impromptu" interviews on the sidelines of these events. If Powell is there, a 30-second clip on a news crawl could hit the internet before you finish your coffee.
What to Watch While Powell is Quiet
Since there’s no live stream to watch this afternoon, you should keep an eye on the "proxy" indicators. The market is currently obsessed with three things that will dictate what Powell says when he finally does speak:
1. The 3% Inflation Ceiling
Inflation is hovering right around 3%. It’s sticky. The Fed wants 2%. Trump wants cuts now. Powell is caught in the middle, and his silence today is likely him prepping the "higher for longer" defense for the January 28 presser.
2. The Warsh Speculation
Kevin Warsh is currently the frontrunner to replace Powell when his term ends in May. Prediction markets have Warsh at about a 54% probability. Every time a rumor drops about the succession, it’s almost as impactful as a Powell speech itself.
3. The SCOTUS "Cook" Case
On Wednesday, January 21, the Supreme Court is set to hear Trump v. Cook. This is about the President's power to fire Fed governors (specifically Lisa Cook). The ruling here will basically determine if Powell even has a job to speak from in a few weeks.
Your Action Plan for This Week
Since you won't be hearing from the Chair today, don't waste the day refreshing a news feed that isn't moving. Instead, prepare for the volatility coming on Monday morning.
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- Check the "Blackout" Period: The Fed enters its official "blackout period" this coming Saturday, January 24. This means this week is the last chance for any Fed official to signal what’s happening at the January meeting. Expect a lot of "leaks" or "sources familiar with the thinking" to pop up in the financial press between Monday and Friday.
- Watch the 10-Year Treasury: If yields spike on Monday morning without a Powell speech, it means the market is getting nervous about the DOJ/Fed standoff.
- Ignore the "Emergency Cut" Rumors: You'll see them on social media. People love to claim an emergency rate cut is coming Sunday night. Unless the banking system is literally melting down, the Fed almost never moves outside of their scheduled Wednesday windows.
The lack of a Powell speech today is actually the "normal" part of a very abnormal month. Use the quiet to look at the January 28 calendar. That is when the real fireworks start.