Fed Lowers Rates for 3rd Time

The Fed left the federal funds rate steady at the 3.5%–3.75% target range for a 2nd consecutive meeting in March 2026, in line with expectations. Policymakers noted that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace, job gains have remained low while inflation remains somewhat elevated. The implications of the war with Iran are uncertain. Against this backdrop, policymakers still expect one reduction in the fed funds rate this year and another in 2027, the same as in the December projections, though the timing remains unclear. The Fed also revised its GDP growth forecasts higher for both 2026 (2.4% vs 2.3% seen in December) and 2027 (2.3% vs 2%). Unemployment is projected at 4.4% for 2026, unchanged from December and 4.3% for 2027 (revised up from 4.2%). Both PCE and Core PCE inflation are now expected to be higher this year, at 2.7% each, compared with the December projections of 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. For 2027, both measures have been revised up to 2.2% from 2.1%.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold the federal funds rate steady within the 3.5%–3.75% target range for a second consecutive meeting in March 2026, as it navigates a challenging environment marked by the risk of an oil shock, persistent inflation, and signs of a softening labor market. Since the January FOMC meeting, oil prices have surged amid the conflict with Iran, raising concerns that inflation could accelerate before it has returned to the Fed’s target. Against this backdrop, policymakers are likely to signal a continued wait-and-see stance, effectively adhering to a “first, do no harm” approach. The central bank will also release updated economic projections, with markets closely watching for any revisions reflecting the war’s potential impact on inflation, economic growth, and the future path of interest rates.

Fed officials are divided over the future path of interest rates, reflecting a tension between the need to contain inflation and the desire to support the labor market, according to the minutes of the January 2026 FOMC meeting. Several participants indicated that further reductions in the fed funds rate would likely be appropriate if inflation continues to decline in line with their expectations. Others argued that it may be prudent to hold the policy rate steady for some time and some even raised the possibility that rate increases could become necessary if inflation remains persistently above target. In addition, a vast majority of participants judged that downside risks to employment had moderated in recent months while the risk of more persistent inflation remained. The Fed left the federal funds rate unchanged at the 3.5%–3.75% target range in its January 2026 meeting, in line with expectations, after three consecutive rate cuts last year.