US Fed Meeting March 2026: When & Where To Watch Jerome Powell Speech LIVE Today; FOMC Decision Time in India

Global markets are tense ahead of the March 2026 policy decision by the Federal Reserve, as investors await clarity on whether interest rates will be cut, raised, or kept unchanged. Escalating Middle East tensions have lifted oil prices, heightening inflation risks, even as signs of slowing US economic growth complicate the central bank's policy choices.

FOMC Meeting March 2026 Date, Time: Check When Jerome Powell Will Announce Fed Rate Cut Decision

The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened for its two-day meeting on March 17-18, 2026. This gathering is particularly significant as it is the first since the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has unsettled global markets.

The policy announcement is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on March 18, after which Powell will address the media.

US Fed Meeting March 2026: Jerome Powell Speech Timing (For India)

Because of the time difference and US daylight adjustments, Indian market participants will need to tune in late at night. The rate decision is expected at 12:30 a.m. IST, followed by Powell's remarks roughly half an hour later with the press conference expected around 1:00 a.m. IST.

Fed Meeting Today: When & Where To Watch Jerome Powell Speech LIVE on 18 March 2026

After releasing the policy statement, Powell will hold a press conference outlining the decision and answering questions from journalists. The event will be broadcast live through official Federal Reserve channels, including:

• The central bank's official website
• Its YouTube channel
• Verified social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter)

These streams will allow investors worldwide to follow the Fed's outlook in real time.

Latest FOMC Interest Rate

At present, the Fed's benchmark rate sits within the 3.5%-3.75% range. Earlier this year, the central bank paused rate changes after implementing three quarter-percentage-point cuts in succession.

Will the Fed Cut Rates Today?

Expectations for an immediate rate cut remain low. Many economists believe the central bank will adopt a wait-and-watch approach while monitoring how geopolitical developments and energy prices influence inflation in the coming months.

Aamir Makda, Commodity & Currency Analyst at Choice Broking, noted that rising oil prices linked to regional tensions could keep inflation risks elevated. Higher fuel costs typically feed into transportation and manufacturing expenses, making policymakers reluctant to loosen monetary policy too quickly.

"The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates in the 3.50% to 3.75% range, marking a defensive stance against inflation rather than a prelude to rate cuts. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran, have exacerbated energy prices, with crude oil nearing $100 per barrel and U.S. gasoline prices hitting $4.25 per gallon. These factors contribute to rising transportation and manufacturing costs, raising concerns over inflation," said Aamir Makda, Commodity & Currency Analyst at Choice Broking.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual analysts or entities and do not reflect the views of Goodreturns.in or Greynium Information Technologies Private Limited (together referred as "we"). We do not guarantee, endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any content, nor do we provide any investment advice or solicit the purchase or sale of securities. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should be independently verified from licensed financial advisors before making any investment decisions.