If you're refreshing your browser waiting for a rate decision, I have some news that might be a little frustrating: there is no Federal Reserve interest rate announcement scheduled for today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026. I know, I know. Every time the markets get jittery or the news cycle starts screaming about inflation, it feels like Jerome Powell should be stepping up to a microphone. But the Fed operates on a very specific, pre-planned calendar. While there are a few things happening today—like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data release and some Treasury bill announcements—the "big one" isn't happening just yet.
What Time Is The Fed Announcement Today? Looking at the 2026 Calendar
Since today isn't the day, when is it? The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) actually has its first meeting of 2026 scheduled for January 27 and January 28.
If you are looking for that specific moment when the markets go crazy, mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Based on years of tradition, here is exactly how that day will play out:
- 2:00 PM ET: The Fed releases its formal policy statement. This is the "announcement" everyone talks about. It’s a dry, several-page PDF that traders tear apart in seconds.
- 2:30 PM ET: Chair Jerome Powell begins his press conference. This is usually more important than the statement because he gives "color" on why they made the choice they did.
Honestly, the Fed is a creature of habit. They almost never deviate from this 2:00 PM / 2:30 PM one-two punch. If they ever did an emergency announcement on a random Tuesday like today, it would mean something has gone catastrophically wrong in the global economy.
What is happening today instead?
Even though there’s no rate hike or cut, today is still a huge day for your wallet. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report dropped this morning at 8:30 AM ET.
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This is basically the "report card" the Fed uses to decide what to do at that January 28 meeting. If inflation looks sticky, they might pause. If it’s cooling off faster than expected, we might see them continue the cutting cycle they started back in late 2024.
We also saw the 4-week Treasury bill announcement at 11:00 AM ET today. It's the "plumbing" of the financial world—not super exciting for most people, but it keeps the gears turning.
Why the Confusion About Today's Date?
It’s easy to see why people are searching for the Fed announcement today. We are currently in a wild political and economic environment.
There’s been a ton of noise lately regarding the Department of Justice looking into Chair Powell’s activities, specifically related to some home renovations. This has created a "political risk" premium in the markets. When people see headlines about the Fed Chair and the DOJ in the same sentence, they naturally assume an emergency meeting or a big statement is coming.
Plus, we just saw the Dow shed about 400 points as investors digested the latest earnings from JPMorgan and the CPI data. When the screen turns red, people start asking, "What time is the Fed announcement today?" because they want to know if a rescue is coming.
The Fed is in a "Blackout Period" soon
The Fed officials actually have a "quiet period" before their meetings. Starting this coming Saturday, you won't hear a peep from them. They aren't allowed to give speeches or interviews that might influence market expectations right before the vote.
That makes this week the last chance for "Fed speak." You might see regional presidents like Barkin or Bostic popping up on CNBC today or tomorrow. They aren't making the announcement, but they are dropping hints like breadcrumbs.
How the Fed Announcement Actually Affects You
Most people care about the Fed because of their mortgage or their credit card. It’s pretty direct.
When the Fed says "we are holding rates," your high-yield savings account stays happy, but your debt stays expensive. If they cut—which many analysts are still betting on for later in 2026—you’ll see mortgage rates start to dip.
But keep in mind: the Fed only controls the short-term rate. The 10-year Treasury yield, which actually drives mortgage rates, moves on what investors think the Fed will do six months from now. That’s why the "announcement" is often less important than the "vibe" Powell gives off during the Q&A session at 2:30 PM.
Your Next Steps for the January 28 Meeting
Since you’ve got about two weeks until the actual announcement, here is how to prepare:
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- Watch the 10-Year Yield: Don't just look at the Fed. Watch the 10-year Treasury note. If it starts climbing, mortgage rates are going up regardless of what the Fed says today.
- Check Your Floating Rates: If you have a HELOC or a variable-rate credit card, those are tied almost 1:1 with the Fed's decisions.
- Ignore the "Emergency" Rumors: Unless you see it on the official Federal Reserve Board website, don't believe "leaks" about emergency rate cuts. They are incredibly rare.
- Tune in on Jan 28: If you want to watch the drama live, the Fed’s YouTube channel streams the presser starting at 2:30 PM ET.
While there is no Fed announcement today, the data coming out right now is the foundation for the decision that will change your interest rates in two weeks. Keep an eye on those CPI numbers—they tell the real story.