FOMC Dates 2026: Federal Reserve Meeting Schedule, Blackout Periods, and Catalysts
FOMC Dates 2026: Federal Reserve Meeting Schedule, Blackout Periods, and Catalysts
Master operational calendar of all 2026 FOMC meeting dates, detailing blackout window timings, quarterly SEP dot plot releases, and volatility positioning playbooks. To analyze real-time market data, contract velocity, and institutional tracking, explore the macro event trading playbook and Fed catalyst schedule.
The 2026 Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Schedule
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets eight times per year to establish the target range for the federal funds rate. Four of these meetings—held in March, June, September, and December—include the release of updated economic projections (SEP) and the dot plot, historically generating the largest volatility spikes across capital markets.
| Meeting Cycle | Official FOMC Date | SEP Dot Plot Included? | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 Cycle - Meeting 1 | January 27 - 28, 2026 | No | Annual policy review & baseline guidance |
| Q1 Cycle - Meeting 2 | March 17 - 18, 2026 | Yes (Full SEP) | Spring dot plot update & growth forecasts |
| Q2 Cycle - Meeting 3 | April 28 - 29, 2026 | No | Labor market and mid-quarter inflation audit |
| Q2 Cycle - Meeting 4 | June 16 - 17, 2026 | Yes (Full SEP) | Mid-year macroeconomic trajectory review |
Navigating the Fed Blackout Period and Trade Execution Windows
Under Federal Reserve ethics guidelines, committee members are barred from making public comments about monetary policy beginning on the second Saturday preceding the FOMC meeting until the Thursday following the policy announcement. This information blackout frequently amplifies algorithmic market reactions to late-breaking economic prints.