What happens on an FOMC decision day
The Federal Open Market Committee normally holds eight scheduled meetings each year. The policy statement is released at the conclusion of the meeting, and meetings marked with an asterisk on the Fed calendar include updated economic projections.
The statement is generally released at 2:00 PM ET. When a press conference is scheduled, it usually begins 30 minutes later.
Why the FOMC can matter for stocks
Federal Reserve decisions and communication influence expectations for short-term rates, bond yields and financial conditions. Those changes can affect how investors value companies and different sectors.
The policy rate itself is only part of the event. Statement language, economic projections and the press conference can each lead to a different interpretation.
The FOMC release sequence
01
2:00 PM ET
The policy statement and, when scheduled, economic projections are released while the regular U.S. stock session is still open.
02
2:30 PM ET
The press conference begins and provides more context on the decision and outlook.
03
Three weeks later
Minutes for a regularly scheduled meeting are generally published three weeks after the decision.
FOMC schedule FAQ
What time is the FOMC announcement?
Scheduled decisions are generally released at 2:00 PM New York time. Your local equivalent depends on daylight-saving rules in both locations.
Is the stock market open during the FOMC decision?
Yes, under the normal schedule. A 2:00 PM ET decision arrives during the regular NYSE and Nasdaq session, which closes at 4:00 PM ET.
Where does the schedule come from?
The dates come directly from the Federal Reserve Board's official FOMC meeting calendar.