US Federal Reserve Expected to Announce Rate Hike Today Amid Inflation Concerns

The US Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to announce its decision on interest rates today, September 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (1800 GMT). Markets are widely anticipating a rate hike, which would be the first since 2023, as the central bank aims to combat persistent inflation. This inflation has been exacerbated by surging oil prices, partly due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. Analysts suggest that the credibility of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh in fighting high inflation is a key factor in this anticipated move. The Fed had maintained steady rates since January, but a quarter of the committee's voting members dissented at the July meeting, advocating for an immediate hike.