Fed Set to Raise Rates for 1st Time Since 2023

Most Fed policymakers judged that another increase in the target range for the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate by year-end. However, they emphasized that they approached each meeting with an open mind and that future decisions would depend on incoming economic data, its implications for the outlook, and the balance of risks, according to the minutes of the September 15–16, 2026 FOMC meeting. Minutes also showed that all policymakers supported raising the target range for the federal funds rate by 25bps to 3.75%-4%. Participants generally emphasized that inflation remained elevated while the labor market appeared to be near full employment, with some signs of strengthening, and that economic activity was expanding at a solid pace. Furthermore, almost all participants assessed that, while inflation risks were tilted to the upside, risks to the labor market had diminished and were now broadly balanced.

The Fed unanimously raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 25bps to 3.75%-4.00% in September 2026 as expected, marking the first rate hike since 2023. Policymakers noted that inflation remains elevated, and the move aims to support a more timely return to the 2% target. Updated projections showed that 16 of 18 officials see the possibility of at least one more 25bps rate hike later this year with four penciling in two additional rate increases. Chair Warsh again declined to submit his forecasts. Meanwhile, the GDP is seen expanding at a slightly faster pace in 2026 (2.3% vs 2.2% in the June projection) and 2027 (2.4% vs 2.3%). PCE inflation is seen higher this year (3.7% vs 3.6%) but the forecast for 2027 was kept at 2.3%. Core inflation is also seen up in 2026 (3.4% vs 3.3%) but the forecast was left at 2.5% for 2027. The unemployment rate is now projected at 4.1% in both 2026 and 2027, down from the previous forecast of 4.3% for both years.

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 25bps to 3.75%-4.00% in September 2026, marking the first rate hike since 2023, as inflation remains well above target and the energy shock stemming from the war with Iran continues to weigh on the outlook. US headline inflation held at 3.4% year-on-year in August, while core inflation was at 2.4%. Meanwhile, diesel prices have risen to $6 a gallon, adding further pressure to the inflation outlook as an end to the conflict appears increasingly distant. In his Jackson Hole speech last month, Chair Warsh said that if the Fed was not confident that underlying inflation was declining, it would have “work to do”. Policymakers will also release updated economic projections. In June, the so-called dot plot showed that nine officials expected at least one rate hike this year, while six anticipated at least two. Chair Warsh did not submit a forecast at the time.