Many Americans are asking what time is the FOMC meeting tomorrow as the Federal Reserve prepares for one of its most important sessions of the year. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which sets U.S. monetary policy and influences interest rates across the economy, will hold its next meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The official policy statement will be released at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s live press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET. Both events will be broadcast on major financial networks and streamed through the Federal Reserve’s official platforms.
This meeting will mark the eighth and final FOMC session of 2025, making it especially important for investors, businesses, and consumers who are watching closely for clues about the Fed’s 2026 strategy.
Understanding the Role of the FOMC
The Federal Open Market Committee is the central decision-making body for U.S. monetary policy. It determines the federal funds rate, a key benchmark that affects interest rates across consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, and savings accounts.
The committee’s decisions directly influence economic growth, inflation, and employment. By raising or lowering rates, the FOMC can either slow down an overheating economy or stimulate growth when conditions weaken.
The FOMC’s responsibilities include:
- Setting short-term interest rate targets.
- Managing the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet.
- Monitoring inflation and labor market trends.
- Providing forward guidance about economic expectations.
As of December 2025, the FOMC consists of 12 voting members, including the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and four other regional Fed bank presidents who serve on a rotating basis.
Each member contributes to shaping policy decisions that affect not only Wall Street but also everyday Americans—from homeowners and small business owners to workers saving for retirement.
The Official Schedule for Tomorrow’s Meeting
The Federal Reserve maintains a consistent structure for all its meetings, and tomorrow’s event will follow that same pattern. Below is the confirmed December 11, 2025, FOMC schedule (Eastern Time):
| Event | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Policy Session | Dec 11, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Closed-door deliberations and voting by FOMC members |
| Policy Statement Publication | Dec 11, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. ET | Official rate decision and economic outlook posted online |
| Chair Jerome Powell Press Conference | Dec 11, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. ET | Live-streamed briefing with Q&A from journalists |
The meeting will be held at the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, D.C.
The 30-minute gap between the statement release and Powell’s press conference allows markets and reporters to review the written material before the Chair elaborates on the committee’s reasoning.
What Makes This Meeting So Important
This December session carries special weight because it concludes a year of steady monetary policy and signals how the Fed plans to approach 2026. After years of inflation volatility and interest-rate adjustments, tomorrow’s meeting will show whether the central bank believes the economy is ready for a softer policy stance.
Three main reasons make this meeting critical:
- It’s the final policy decision of 2025. The FOMC will summarize its year-long assessment of inflation, employment, and growth.
- It includes the latest “Summary of Economic Projections” (SEP). This quarterly update outlines where Fed officials expect inflation, GDP, and unemployment to head in 2026.
- Jerome Powell’s tone will shape market sentiment. His comments can move stock indexes, bond yields, and currencies within minutes.
The December FOMC meeting is often seen as a roadmap for the new year—signaling whether the Fed will maintain high interest rates, start easing policy, or hold steady until more data arrives.
The Current Federal Funds Rate
As of December 2025, the federal funds rate remains between 4.75% and 5.00%, a level the Fed has maintained since early 2025.
This rate represents the cost that banks charge one another for overnight lending, but it influences nearly all borrowing rates throughout the economy. It impacts:
- Mortgage interest rates for homebuyers.
- Credit card and auto loan rates for consumers.
- Business loans for companies financing new projects.
- Savings account yields for depositors.
The market consensus, based on futures data and Federal Reserve commentary, suggests the FOMC will leave rates unchanged tomorrow. That outcome would reflect continued confidence in the U.S. economy’s progress toward stable inflation and sustainable growth.
Recent Economic Data Leading Into the Meeting
The economic backdrop heading into this week’s FOMC meeting has been positive but mixed across different indicators.
Inflation Cooling
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for November 2025 shows annual inflation at 2.3%, down sharply from 9.1% in mid-2022. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is holding near 2.4%, suggesting that price stability is close to being achieved.
Strong Labor Market
The U.S. economy added 168,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7%. Job openings have moderated but remain well above pre-pandemic levels, signaling that demand for labor is strong without creating excess wage pressure.
Economic Growth
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 2.1% in the third quarter of 2025. Business investment continues to rise modestly, and consumer spending—particularly during the holiday season—has been healthy.
Consumer Confidence
Surveys show confidence rising to its highest level since 2021, reflecting optimism about declining inflation and steady job opportunities.
Altogether, these figures paint a picture of an economy returning to balance after years of inflationary turbulence.
What to Expect from the Policy Statement
At 2:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Reserve will publish its official policy statement summarizing the FOMC’s assessment of the economy. While the committee is not expected to change interest rates this time, analysts are watching closely for adjustments in the wording that describe inflation trends and future policy risks.
Traders and economists will focus on key phrases such as:
- “The Committee judges that the stance of monetary policy is appropriate to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run.”
- “In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor incoming information.”
Small changes in these statements can have big implications. A more optimistic tone could indicate a pivot toward lower rates in 2026, while cautious language might signal continued patience.
Jerome Powell’s 2:30 p.m. Press Conference
At 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Chair Jerome Powell will address journalists during a live press conference from the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. The event typically lasts about an hour.
During the session, Powell will:
- Explain the reasoning behind the committee’s decision.
- Discuss inflation, employment, and financial stability.
- Respond to questions about potential future rate changes.
His tone often shapes immediate market reactions. Investors analyze not just what he says, but how he says it—looking for clues about whether the central bank feels confident or cautious about the outlook.
A more dovish Powell (suggesting readiness for rate cuts) could trigger stock rallies and lower Treasury yields. A more hawkish Powell (emphasizing patience) could produce a stronger dollar and weaker equity markets.
Market Reactions to Watch
Financial markets react swiftly to every FOMC decision. Within minutes of the 2:00 p.m. release, trading volumes spike across all major asset classes.
1. Stock Market
If Powell signals optimism about inflation control, expect equity indexes like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ to rise. Investors generally welcome signals of future rate cuts, which lower borrowing costs for corporations.
2. Bond Market
Treasury yields tend to drop if the Fed hints at easing policy. Conversely, if the statement stresses caution, yields may edge higher as investors expect rates to remain elevated.
3. U.S. Dollar
The dollar’s strength depends heavily on expectations for rate differentials with other central banks. A dovish stance may weaken the dollar slightly, while a firm commitment to higher rates could strengthen it.
4. Gold and Commodities
Gold prices often climb when markets anticipate lower rates or a weaker dollar, as investors seek inflation hedges.
These short-term reactions can evolve rapidly, but they reflect how deeply interconnected Fed policy is with global finance.
Impact on Everyday Americans
The FOMC’s decisions reach far beyond Wall Street. They shape the cost of living, homeownership affordability, and savings returns for millions of Americans.
Here’s how the December 2025 meeting could affect you directly:
- Homebuyers: Mortgage rates may remain around current levels—roughly 6.3% for a 30-year fixed loan—if the Fed holds steady.
- Credit Card Users: APRs are likely to remain elevated near 21%, emphasizing the importance of paying off high-interest debt.
- Savers: Yields on high-yield savings accounts and CDs, currently near 4–5%, will likely stay attractive through early 2026.
- Small Businesses: Stable rates help business owners plan borrowing for expansion and manage costs more predictably.
Even without a rate change, tomorrow’s meeting will influence financial planning decisions across the country.
The Broader 2025 Economic Picture
The U.S. economy in 2025 has defied many predictions. After fears of a recession early in the year, growth remained steady, inflation cooled, and unemployment stayed near record lows.
The Fed’s deliberate, measured approach—raising rates gradually in 2022–2023, then pausing in 2024–2025—has allowed inflation to fall without significant job losses. This outcome is what economists refer to as a “soft landing”: price stability achieved without triggering a downturn.
Tomorrow’s FOMC meeting will reveal whether policymakers believe that balance can continue through 2026.
What Economists Expect Next Year
While tomorrow’s meeting focuses on the short term, analysts are already discussing the Fed’s potential path for next year.
- Mid-2026 Rate Cuts Possible: If inflation continues trending toward 2%, the Fed could begin lowering rates in the second half of 2026.
- Steady Policy Early in the Year: Most forecasts suggest the Fed will keep rates stable for at least the first two meetings of 2026.
- Focus on Labor Market: If hiring slows sharply, the Fed may act sooner to avoid a contraction.
Tomorrow’s Summary of Economic Projections will include the “dot plot,” a chart showing where each FOMC member expects interest rates to be in the coming years.
How to Follow Tomorrow’s Events
For anyone interested in real-time updates, here’s how to track the meeting and reactions:
- 2:00 p.m. ET: Check the Federal Reserve’s website for the full policy statement.
- 2:30 p.m. ET: Watch Chair Powell’s live press conference.
- 3:00 p.m. ET onward: Monitor market reactions on CNBC, Bloomberg, or other business networks.
Many financial analysts post instant interpretations online, breaking down key takeaways from the statement and Powell’s answers.
What’s Next After Tomorrow’s Meeting
The first FOMC meeting of 2026 is already scheduled for January 28–29, 2026. Between now and then, the committee will monitor:
- January’s inflation and employment reports.
- Holiday retail sales results.
- Global economic developments, including oil prices and supply-chain stability.
The December meeting sets the tone for those upcoming decisions, making it a vital checkpoint for both investors and policymakers.
Key Takeaways
- The next FOMC meeting begins Wednesday, December 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
- The policy statement will be released at 2:00 p.m. ET.
- Jerome Powell’s press conference follows at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- The current rate range is 4.75%–5.00%, with no change expected.
- Inflation has eased to 2.3%, and unemployment remains low at 3.7%.
- The meeting’s tone will shape 2026 rate expectations and global market behavior.
Final Thoughts
The answer to what time is the FOMC meeting tomorrow is clear: the policy statement arrives at 2:00 p.m. ET, and the press conference begins at 2:30 p.m. ET.
This final meeting of 2025 will influence everything from stock-market trends to mortgage rates and consumer sentiment heading into the new year. Whether the Fed signals patience or prepares the ground for easing, tomorrow’s announcements will guide the economic conversation well into 2026.
Share your opinion below—should the Federal Reserve hold steady, or is it time for a shift toward lower rates?
FAQ
1. What time is the FOMC meeting tomorrow?
The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. ET, with the official statement at 2:00 p.m. ET and Chair Powell’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.
2. Where does the meeting take place?
All FOMC meetings are held at the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington, D.C.
3. How many times does the FOMC meet per year?
The committee meets eight times annually, roughly every six weeks.
4. What is the current federal funds rate?
The target range is 4.75% to 5.00% as of December 2025.
5. How can I watch the FOMC meeting live?
The policy announcement and press conference will stream live on federalreserve.gov and major financial networks.
6. When is the next meeting after December?
The next meeting is scheduled for January 28–29, 2026.
7. What factors determine the Fed’s decisions?
The FOMC evaluates inflation, employment, GDP growth, and financial stability data before every decision.
Disclaimer :-This article contains verified factual information as of December 10, 2025. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes financial advice. Readers should consult certified financial advisors before making investment or credit-related decisions.