Upcoming Federal Reserve Meeting Date
The Federal Reserve (Fed) kept the federal funds rate steady at 4.25%–4.50% at its meeting on July 30, 2025, marking the fifth consecutive meeting without a change. However, market expectations indicate a high probability of at least one 25-basis-point rate cut by mid-September 2025, with some speculation about one or two cuts before the end of the year.
The Fed's decision to hold steady comes as the worst inflation in the U.S. economy in 40 years is nearly back down to the central bank's long-term target. The labor market remains healthy despite job growth slowing.
Two FOMC members dissented at the July meeting, voting for rate cuts, reflecting some internal committee division regarding economic conditions. The market prices in roughly an 89% chance of a 25-basis-point cut at the September 2025 meeting.
The Fed's decision to hold steady is in line with its dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment. The Fed's ongoing assessment of the economic conditions is being made against the backdrop of a late-cycle economic expansion, characterised by rising inflation and a tight labor market.
The FOMC meets eight times a year, or about once every six weeks. The next Fed meeting will begin on Tuesday, July 29, and conclude with a policy statement on Wednesday, July 30, at 2 pm Eastern. The FOMC meeting schedule can be found on the FOMC's official website.
Businesses are responding to tariff increases by either raising prices or eating the added costs, according to Steve Dean, chief investment officer at Compound Planning. Steve Rick, chief economist at TruStage, notes that it is too soon to make a meaningful decision around interest rate cuts due to ongoing trade negotiations and the threat of tariffs.
The Fed chief holds a press conference at 2:30 pm after the FOMC meeting. The convention of meeting eight times per year dates back to the market stresses of 1981. President Donald Trump's tariff policies could resurface inflationary pressures.
[1] Federal Reserve announces steady rates despite market expectations for cuts, CNBC, July 30, 2025. [2] Fed keeps rates steady as market expects rate cuts, Reuters, July 30, 2025. [3] Fed's Daly says any rate cuts would be gradual and responsive to incoming data, Bloomberg, July 30, 2025. [4] Fed rate cut odds rise as inflation slows, CME Group, July 22, 2025.
- In the wake of the Federal Reserve's announcement to keep rates steady, despite market expectations for cuts, investors are closely watching the ongoing economic conditions and the FOMC meetings for potential trading opportunities in the finance sector.
- As the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates contrasts with the market's anticipation for cuts, business owners are evaluating their investing strategies, weighing the potential impact on their profitability amidst changes in finance and the economy.
