FOMC Meeting Time: Key Details on the September 2025 Decision

The fomc meeting time has been confirmed as the Federal Reserve gathers to decide its next move on interest rates. The two-day policy meeting began on September 16 and concludes on September 17, 2025, with the official interest rate decision set for 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time today. A press conference with Chair Jerome Powell will follow at 2:30 p.m. ET.

This meeting is drawing intense global attention because it is expected to deliver the first interest rate cut of the year, following months of slowing economic growth and easing inflation pressures.

Exact FOMC Meeting Schedule

The September 2025 meeting follows the standard two-day format. Knowing the precise timing helps investors, businesses, and global markets prepare for the announcement.

• Start of Meeting: September 16, 2025 (closed-door sessions)
• Decision Release: September 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• Press Conference: September 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET
• Summary of Economic Projections: Published alongside the policy statement at 2:00 p.m. ET

The decision release and press conference are both broadcast live, and market volatility often spikes around these times.

Why the FOMC Meeting Time Matters

Timing plays a huge role in how markets respond. The release at 2:00 p.m. ET is a known flashpoint for rapid price swings in stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities.

This September meeting is particularly important because:

• It includes new economic projections from committee members.
• It is expected to deliver the first rate cut of 2025, lowering the federal funds target range from 4.25%–4.50% to 4.00%–4.25%.
• It signals how the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) plans to balance its dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment.

Factors Influencing the September Decision

Several economic and political developments set the stage for this meeting:

• Cooling Job Market: Recent labor reports show slower hiring and rising jobless claims.
• Easing Inflation: Price growth has slowed from its peak, though it remains slightly above the Fed’s 2% target.
• Political Pressure: Calls for rate cuts have grown louder from business leaders and politicians as economic momentum weakens.
• Global Risks: Sluggish growth in Europe and China has raised concerns about global demand and trade flows.

These factors pushed the committee toward easing policy, which is why this meeting carries such weight.

How Markets Prepare for the Announcement

Because the fomc meeting time is fixed and public, markets tend to react well in advance. Traders adjust positions ahead of the 2:00 p.m. release, expecting a quick move in asset prices once the decision is revealed.

• Stock Markets: Often rally on expectations of lower borrowing costs.
• Bond Markets: Yields typically fall in anticipation of a rate cut.
• Currency Markets: The dollar may weaken if rate cuts reduce U.S. interest rate advantages over other countries.

This makes the period between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET especially volatile on FOMC decision days.

What Happens at 2:00 p.m. ET

At precisely 2:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Reserve releases:

• The new federal funds rate target range
• The official policy statement summarizing the decision
• Updated economic projections from committee members, including growth, inflation, and unemployment forecasts

Thirty minutes later, at 2:30 p.m. ET, Chair Jerome Powell holds a live press conference to answer questions from journalists and explain the decision in detail.

Confirmed Outcome From This Meeting

At the September 17, 2025 meeting, the FOMC voted to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, moving the target range to 4.00%–4.25%. This marks the first rate reduction since December 2024.

Powell stated that while inflation has not fully returned to 2%, the risks to employment and growth now justify a modest easing of policy. The committee signaled that future cuts will depend on upcoming economic data.

Timeline of Key Moments

This fixed schedule gives traders, businesses, and global audiences a clear timetable to follow.

What to Watch in the Policy Statement

Beyond the actual interest rate number, the language in the policy statement carries huge weight. Watch for:

• References to inflation progress and price stability
• Comments on labor market conditions
• The tone on global risks and financial conditions
• Any dissenting votes among committee members

A single phrase hinting at either faster or slower future rate moves can shift markets immediately.

Implications of the Meeting Time for Global Audiences

The set fomc meeting time also affects international participants:

• Europe: The decision lands after European markets close, so reactions often show up the following day.
• Asia: In markets like India and China, the decision comes late at night or early morning, influencing next-day trading.
• Emerging Markets: Many currencies and bonds react strongly in overnight trading when the decision drops.

This global sensitivity shows how critical the timing is to economic planning worldwide.

Why This Timing is Consistent Every Meeting

The Federal Reserve typically holds eight scheduled policy meetings each year, and almost all release their decisions at 2:00 p.m. ET on the second day. This consistency is intentional — it reduces uncertainty and allows smooth functioning of financial markets.

Knowing exactly when policy news hits gives banks, investors, and businesses the ability to prepare risk management strategies in advance.

Looking Ahead to the Next Meeting

The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for November 5–6, 2025, also expected to conclude with a statement release at 2:00 p.m. ET on the second day.

Markets will now closely watch economic data between now and then to guess if further rate cuts are coming.

As this September meeting wraps up, the clear fomc meeting time has again proven essential for markets and businesses worldwide. If you follow Fed decisions, mark 2:00 p.m. ET on your calendar — it’s when the world turns its attention to Washington.