Fed keeps interest rates steady in first meeting of 2026

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in its first meeting of 2026, as economists expected.

Federal Reserve officials kept lending rates between 3.5-3.75% after issuing three cuts last year. In a statement, officials pointed to low job gains and stabilization in the unemployment rate behind their decision.

Officials urged a return to the 2% inflation rate and increasing employment numbers. The January inflation report, based on December 2025 data, revealed a 2.7% inflation rate.

In December 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.4%.

“The Committee’s assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments,” Federal Reserve officials wrote in a statement.

Two governors on the board, Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller, voted against keeping the rates steady, instead suggesting lowering rates by 0.25%. The nine other members of the board voted to keep rates unchanged, including Chair Jerome Powell.

Powell is expected to hold a press conference on the decision Wednesday afternoon.