What is the FOMC?
The FOMC is the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed group that sets U.S. monetary policy decisions watched by global markets.
The short version
The FOMC is the part of the Federal Reserve that sets the target range for the federal funds rate and guides monetary policy. Its decisions influence borrowing costs, Treasury yields, the dollar, stocks, crypto, and global liquidity.
What it decides
The committee decides whether to raise, cut, or hold rates and communicates how it sees inflation, jobs, growth, and financial conditions. Markets react not only to the decision, but also to the statement, projections, and press conference.
Why expectations matter
If the market already expects a decision, the reaction may depend on tone. A hold can be bullish if the Fed sounds closer to cuts, or bearish if it signals rates may stay high longer.
Dots and guidance
The Summary of Economic Projections and dot plot show policymakers' rate expectations. They are not promises, but they can reset market pricing quickly.
What to watch
Watch the rate decision, statement changes, inflation language, labor-market comments, balance-sheet policy, dot plot, and Chair press conference.