The meeting, the first of 2026, began at 10am local time (12pm Brasília), according to a spokesperson for the institution, and will conclude on Wednesday. Markets expect rates to be maintained between 3.50% and 3.75%
The Monetary Policy Committee of the United States Federal Reserve (Fed, central bank) began its first meeting of 2026 this Tuesday (27), after which it is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, contrary to the wishes of President Donald Trump, a supporter of a reduction in interest rates.
A The meeting began at 10 a.m. local time (12 p.m. Brasília time), according to a spokesperson for the institution, and will conclude on Wednesday (28). Markets expect rates to be maintained between 3.50% and 3.75%. The meeting is marked by the recent opening of a criminal investigation against Fed President Jerome Powell by the Department of Justice.
A He, however, denounces that this is an attempt to intimidate the government for ignoring “the recommendations of the president” of the United States in matters of monetary policy.
Since his return to power a year ago, Trump has consistently demanded a sharp reduction in interest rates to encourage growth in the economy and the job market. The Fed maintained interest rates in the first three quarters of 2025, concerned about the risk of inflation spiking due to the widespread tariffs imposed by Trump.
Starting in September, a series of cuts began in the face of apathy in the American job market. But divisions grew among Fed members as inflation continued to rise (2.8% year on year in November), above the 2% target set by the institution.
*With information from AFP
