FOMC Keeps Fed Funds Rate Unchanged

The Federal Reserve kept the Fed Funds Rate unchanged at the conclusion of their FOMC meeting today. The rate will continue to be a target range of 3.50% to 3.75%. They also continue to condition any adjustments to the target range on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.

Banks will keep the Prime Rate at 6.75%.

The Federal Reserve will continue to reduce its holdings of mortgage securities. As mortgage securities mature, these proceeds will be used to purchase Treasury Bills.  The new easing program (not QE) started last month is related to “Reserve Management” and will continue to increase to balance sheet by purchasing Treasury Bills and Treasury Securities with less than 3 year remaining duration. The estimated amount of balance sheet expansion is currently $40 billion per month with the stated purpose of maintaining ample reserves.

 


Press Release

January 28, 2026

Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
For release at 2:00 p.m. EST

Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.

In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3‑1/2 to 3‑3/4 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.

In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee’s goals. 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.

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Michelle W. Bowman; Lisa D. Cook; Beth M. Hammack; Philip N. Jefferson; Neel Kashkari; Lorie K. Logan; and Anna Paulson. Voting against this action were Stephen I. Miran and Christopher J. Waller, who preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting.