You’ve probably been refreshing your news feed every ten minutes because you're worried about your portfolio, or maybe you’re just curious why a soft-spoken man in a suit has the power to make the entire global economy hold its breath. If you’re looking for a specific time for when will powell speak today, here is the short answer: Jerome Powell does not have a public speaking engagement or press conference scheduled for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
I know, it’s a bit of a letdown. But in the world of central banking, "no news" usually isn't just "good news"—it’s actually a very specific kind of tactical silence.
The Real Schedule: When Will Powell Speak Today (and Soon)?
If you were hoping to catch a live stream this afternoon, you can close those browser tabs for now. Federal Reserve chairs almost never speak on Saturdays unless there is a massive global financial meltdown happening behind the scenes. Think of it like a "quiet period" for your brain.
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However, the reason everyone is asking about his schedule is that the pressure on the Fed has reached a fever pitch this week. Between the ongoing Justice Department investigation into the Fed's building renovations and the public back-and-forth with the Trump administration over interest rates, people are rightfully jumpy.
Here is the actual timeline you need to circle on your calendar:
- January 27–28, 2026: This is the big one. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will hold its first meeting of the year.
- Wednesday, January 28, 2:30 p.m. ET: This is exactly when Powell will speak next in an official capacity. He’ll lead the post-meeting press conference to explain whether they’re cutting rates, holding steady, or—heaven forbid—hiking them again.
Why the Saturday "Ghosting" Is Normal
Honestly, Saturdays are for the Fed's staff to crunch the numbers that Powell will eventually present. While he isn't at a podium today, the "speak" part of the equation is happening through legal filings and official statements. Just this past week, we saw an unprecedented video statement from Powell (without his signature black glasses, interestingly enough) where he addressed the DOJ subpoenas directly. That wasn't a "speech" in the traditional sense, but it moved the needle more than any graduation commencement address ever could.
What Most People Get Wrong About Fed Speeches
People tend to think these speeches are like State of the Union addresses. They aren't. They are more like high-stakes poker games where the players use incredibly dry, boring language to hide their true intentions.
When you search for when will powell speak today, you’re usually looking for a signal: Is my mortgage going to get cheaper? Is my 401(k) safe? The misconception is that every time he opens his mouth, we get a new policy. In reality, the Fed uses "forward guidance." Basically, they spend months telling us what they might do so that when they finally do it, the market doesn't freak out. If Powell spoke every day, his words would lose their "magic" power to stabilize the dollar.
The Trump-Powell Clash: The Context You're Missing
You can't talk about Powell’s schedule in 2026 without mentioning the elephant in the room. The White House hasn't been shy about wanting lower rates. President Trump has been pretty vocal, calling Powell everything from "incompetent" to a "moron."
This political heat is exactly why people are constantly checking when the Chair will speak. Every public appearance is now scrutinized not just for economic data, but for "spine." Is he holding firm on Fed independence, or is he buckling? On January 12th, he basically told the world he wouldn't back down from the DOJ investigation, and the markets slid immediately. That’s the kind of power we're talking about.
Why Today’s Silence Matters for Your Money
Since there isn't a speech today, what should you actually be doing?
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Basically, the market is currently in a "digestion phase." This week was heavy. We had Vice Chair Michelle Bowman speaking yesterday in Foxborough about the New England economic forum, and Governor Stephen Miran was just in Athens talking about supply-side economics.
When the "boss" (Powell) stays quiet on a Saturday, it gives the market time to settle. If he were to suddenly announce a speech for today, it would likely mean something went wrong. In the world of the Federal Reserve, an empty Saturday schedule is a sign of a functioning, albeit stressed, system.
Actionable Next Steps for You
Since you don't have a speech to watch today, here is how you can actually prepare for when he does speak on the 28th:
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- Check the CME FedWatch Tool: It's a free site that shows you what the "smart money" thinks the Fed will do with interest rates. It’s way more accurate than a Twitter rumor.
- Ignore the "Breaking News" Churn: Until January 27th, most of what you hear will be speculation. Don't make big moves on your investments based on a Saturday morning headline that uses "might" or "could" in the title.
- Watch the 2-Year Treasury Yield: If you want to know what the market expects from Powell's next speech, watch this number. If it goes up, the market thinks he'll be "hawkish" (keep rates high). If it drops, they're expecting a "dovish" (lower rates) tone.
Keep an eye on the official Federal Reserve "Newsevents" calendar for any emergency additions, but for now, take the Saturday off. Jerome Powell certainly is—or at least, he’s staying out of the spotlight.