The question “what time is Fed meeting today” is one many Americans are asking as the Federal Reserve begins its final policy session of the year. The December Federal Open Market Committee meeting runs December 9–10, 2025, with the policy decision and public announcement scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. This update provides the most accurate, verified timing and details available as of today.
The FOMC holds eight scheduled meetings each year, and the December gathering is always one of the most closely watched. It sets the stage for interest-rate policy heading into the new year. With inflation cooling and markets watching for another rate cut, the timing of today’s session matters to businesses, investors, homeowners, and consumers nationwide.
Table of Contents
Exact Time of Today’s Fed Meeting Events
The Federal Reserve follows a consistent schedule for all policy announcements. For today’s meeting:
- The policy statement will be released Wednesday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- The press conference with the Fed Chair will begin at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
- For West Coast readers, that is 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time for the announcement and 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time for the press briefing.
These times are confirmed and used across major financial and government platforms. No alternate schedule has been issued for this month’s meeting.
Why This Meeting Is Important
The December session concludes the Fed’s 2025 calendar. It includes the final interest-rate decision of the year and the release of updated economic projections. These projections outline expectations for economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and future rate adjustments.
This meeting matters because it closes a year shaped by cooling inflation, shifting labor-market conditions, and multiple rate cuts. The Fed has already trimmed rates twice earlier in the year. Markets widely expect another quarter-percentage-point cut at this meeting, although the final decision will not be known until the official release this afternoon.
Along with the rate announcement, readers can expect a detailed breakdown of the Fed’s economic outlook for 2026. Financial markets often react instantly, making today’s timing crucial for anyone monitoring mortgage rates, retirement accounts, or stock positions.
What to Expect at 2:00 p.m. ET
When the clock hits 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fed will publish the official monetary-policy statement. This document includes:
- The interest-rate decision
- The reasoning behind the move
- Updates on economic conditions
- Any changes in the Fed’s policy stance
The tone of the statement often influences how markets respond. A softer tone suggests future rate cuts could be possible, while firmer language signals caution.
Press Conference Timing and Importance
At 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fed Chair will hold a live press conference. This portion of the meeting provides clarity on why the committee made its decision. Journalists will ask questions about the labor market, inflation trends, and expectations for rate changes in the new year.
Even if the policy statement appears clear, markets often react again once the press conference begins, especially if the Chair hints at shifts in strategy for the months ahead.
How Today’s Meeting Affects Americans
The timing of the Fed’s announcement matters because rate changes influence several areas of everyday life:
- Mortgage Rates: Interest-rate cuts can lead to lower borrowing costs for new homebuyers and homeowners considering refinancing.
- Credit Cards and Loans: Rates on credit cards, auto loans, and personal loans often adjust based on the Fed’s direction.
- Savings Accounts: A lower benchmark rate can affect yields on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
- Stock Market: Equity markets tend to react immediately to rate decisions and guidance.
By knowing what time the Fed meeting is today, readers can plan to watch the announcement or check updates shortly after they are released.
Important Context Heading Into Today’s Announcement
Financial analysts and economic observers have been tracking several developments leading into this meeting:
- Inflation has shown steady progress toward the Fed’s long-term target.
- Job-market data continues to show moderate cooling.
- Market indicators suggest a strong expectation of a 0.25% rate cut this month.
- Bond yields have been adjusting ahead of the policy release.
These conditions shape expectations but do not determine the outcome. The Fed bases its final decision on the most current economic data available to the committee.
Today’s Timeline at a Glance
| Event | Date | Eastern Time | Pacific Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOMC Meeting Continues | December 10, 2025 | All day (closed session) | All day |
| Policy Statement Released | December 10, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. ET | 11:00 a.m. PT |
| Fed Chair Press Conference | December 10, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. ET | 11:30 a.m. PT |
This schedule is fully confirmed and reflects the latest official timing.
How To Follow the Announcement
While the public cannot view the closed-door meeting itself, the policy statement and press conference will be available across major financial outlets and televised platforms immediately at the times listed above. Many platforms provide real-time alerts, live coverage, and expert analysis immediately after the release.
For those tracking personal finance decisions, the period between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time is the most important window of the day.
Closing Outlook
As the final meeting of 2025 concludes today, the Fed’s decision will shape interest-rate expectations for the opening quarter of 2026. Whether you follow mortgage trends, manage investments, or simply want to stay informed about economic policy, today’s announcement window is one to watch closely. With confirmed timing now clear, readers can tune in right when the news breaks.
Share your thoughts below on how today’s announcement might impact your financial plans.