#FOMCMeeting

Fed meets as policymakers are expected to assert their independence amid Trump’s pressure

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady. Investors will be keeping a close eye on Fed officials’ latest economic projections—known as the “dot plot.” Any variance between the most bearish and most bullish officials might hold a key for the future of U.S. monetary policy. 

As the Federal Open Market Committee prepares to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday, the financial world largely already knows what to expect: more patience.

Throughout the year, the Fed has sought to remind investors the economy is still strong. Unemployment hasn’t spiked, and inflation has remained just north of 2%, despite fears to the contrary amid the White House’s aggressive tariffs. Even the stock market has mostly recovered from an extremely tumultuous April. 

But there are some signs of sagging across the economy. Continuing jobless claims are at three-year highs, suggesting it’s harder for unemployed people to find new jobs, and manufacturing surveys have come in below expectations.