Skip to main content

Philip Chao’s New Book: From Save to Safe is available now! Learn more.

FOMC March 18, 2026, Press Release – What has changed?

Mar 18, 2026

Summary:

  • Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a sold pace. (Change)
  • Job gains have remained low, and unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. (Change)
  • The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. (No Change)
  • Inflation has moved up since earlier in the year and remains somewhat elevated.     (No Change)
  • Uncertainty around the economic outlook remains elevated. (No Change)
  • The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate. (Change)
  • In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent. (No Change)
  • In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. (No Change)
  • The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee’s goals. (No Change)
  • Stephen I. Miran preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point. (Change)

Click here for the full press release.

Recent Insights

FOMC October 28, 2026, Press Conference Q&A Summary

FOMC Discussion The Committee held the target range steady at 3-3/4 to 4 percent, six weeks after removing a dose of accommodation in September. The discussion over the two-day meeting focused mainly on the price-stability side of the mandate. The Committee also...

FOMC October 28, 2026, Press Release – What has changed?

The Federal Open Market Committee approved the following statement for release by a 12 – 0 10 – 2 vote: The Committee decided to raisemaintain the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point to 3-3/4 to 4 percent, in support of the Federal...

Quarterly Market Commentary – 2026 Q3

Topics discussed in this quarter's commentary are: Growth & Trade The Labor Market Consumer & Housing K-Shape Economy The Fed Global Rates Why Rates Rose Oil & Iran Stock & Codependence What Could Tip It The third quarter commentary offers a more...

FOMC September 16, 2026, Press Conference Q&A Summary

FOMC Discussion At the July meeting, a good majority of the FOMC judged that waiting seven weeks was a worthwhile investment, buying time to make a wise decision. Three developments during the intermeeting period led to a firm, unanimous decision to raise rates:...

FOMC September 16, 2026, Press Release – What has changed?

The Federal Open Market Committee approved the following statement for release by a 12 – 0 vote: The Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point to 3-3/4 to 4 percent, in support of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate....