#FOMCMeeting
The **Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)** is the branch of the U.S. Federal Reserve responsible for setting monetary policy, particularly through decisions on interest rates and open market operations. Here’s what you need to know about FOMC meetings:
### **Upcoming FOMC Meeting (2024)**
- **Next Meeting**: **July 30–31, 2024**
- **Key Focus**: Interest rate decisions, economic projections, and policy outlook.
### **Recent Decisions (as of June 2024)**
- **June 12, 2024**: The FOMC kept the **federal funds rate** steady at **5.25%-5.50%**, maintaining a cautious stance on inflation.
- **Powell's Remarks**: The Fed signaled only **one potential rate cut in 2024**, down from three projected earlier, due to persistent inflation.
### **Key Factors Influencing FOMC Decisions**
1. **Inflation (PCE & CPI)**: Still above the 2% target but cooling.
2. **Labor Market**: Strong job growth but some signs of moderation.
3. **Economic Growth**: GDP remains resilient, though slower than 2023.
4. **Global Risks**: Geopolitical tensions and election uncertainty.
### **Market Expectations**
- **Rate Cuts**: Traders now expect **1-2 cuts in 2024**, likely starting in **September or December**.
- **Fed Balance Sheet**: Discussions on slowing **quantitative tightening (QT)** are ongoing.
### **How to Follow Updates**
- **Live Stream**: Fed announcements are broadcast on major financial news networks (CNBC, Bloomberg).
- **Statement & Press Conference**: Released at **2:00 PM ET**, followed by Chair Powell’s presser at **2:30 PM ET**.
- **Dot Plot**: Updated quarterly, showing Fed officials' rate projections.
Would you like analysis on past meetings or deeper insights into upcoming expectations?