#FOMCMeeting

🏛 What is the FOMC?

FOMC stands for the Federal Open Market Committee — the part of the U.S. Federal Reserve (central bank) that sets interest rates and monetary policy.

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🔁 How the FOMC Meeting Works:

1. Schedule:

The FOMC meets 8 times a year (about every 6 weeks), but emergency meetings can happen too.

2. Preparation:

Before the meeting, Fed staff gather data on:

Inflation 📈

Employment 👷

GDP growth 📊

Global economic conditions 🌍

3. The Meeting:

Held over two days (usually Tuesday & Wednesday).

Members discuss the economy, risks, and projections.

They debate whether to raise, lower, or hold interest rates.

4. Decision:

The 12 voting members vote on the policy.

Key focus: the federal funds rate, which influences borrowing costs for banks, businesses, and consumers.

5. Statement Release 📄:

A policy statement is released right after the meeting ends (usually 2 PM ET on Wednesday).

It gives the decision and economic outlook.

6. Press Conference 🎤:

The Fed Chair (currently Jerome Powell) explains the decision and takes questions.

7. Market Reaction 💥:

Traders and investors watch closely — markets often move instantly based on the FOMC's tone and decisions.

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📌 Why It Matters

Interest rates affect loans, mortgages, credit cards, and stock & crypto markets.

Even a hint about future rate moves can shake global markets.