US Federal Reserve meeting date and time today: Where to watch FOMC interest rate decision and Fed chair Jerome Powell's speech

The readers and viewers of CNBC-TV18 can track all the latest updates, insights and commentaries on the website through our live blog. The US Federal Reserve is set to announce its interest rate decision later today or early Thursday (India), December 10, following the two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

What time is the US Federal Reserve rate decision in IST?

The repo rate outcome will be declared at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference scheduled after midnight at 1 AM IST, Thursday.

Is the Fed expected to cut interest rates today?

The US central bank is almost certain to trim its benchmark interest rate tonight, taking it to about 3.6%, the lowest in nearly three years. While this would mark the third consecutive cut, markets are more focused on the signals Chair Jerome Powell may offer on the road ahead.

For households burdened by costly home and vehicle loans, the easing could bring gradual relief, although mortgage rates remain tied to market forces.

The outlook for 2026 is increasingly uncertain. A prolonged government shutdown has stalled key jobs and inflation data, leaving policymakers with an incomplete picture.

With Powell’s tenure ending in May, President Donald Trump hinted at Kevin Hassett, a consistent advocate of lower rates.

Deep divisions persist within the rate-setting panel as inflation stays elevated at 2.8%. Fresh data by January will be decisive.

Where to watch or follow the Fed decision and Powell speech?

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The official website of the Federal Reserve

How will the Fed decision affect Indian markets?

A rate cut could boost global liquidity and foreign inflows, supporting Sensex and Nifty, though the rupee and bond yields will also be in focus.

Benchmark equity indices extended their losing run to a third consecutive session on Wednesday, slipping to nearly one-month lows after late selling pressure weighed on consumer durables, private banking and IT stocks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 275.01 points, or 0.32 per cent, to end at 84,391.27 — its lowest close since November 11. The index moved between an intraday high of 85,020.34 and a low of 84,313.62.

The broader NSE Nifty declined 81.65 points, or 0.32 per cent, to settle at 25,758, after touching a high of 25,947.65 and a low of 25,734.55 during the session.

“Indian markets mirrored global caution, weighed down by persistent FII outflows, INR weakness, and uncertainty surrounding US-India trade negotiations despite ongoing discussions. In the near term, market direction will be influenced by central bank cues and clarity on trade developments,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Ltd.

“Focus now shifts to the upcoming U.S. Fed meeting, where a 25 basis points rate cut is widely expected. However, internal divisions and mixed economic indicators may temper expectations for further rate cuts in 2026,” he added.

In the currency market, the rupee weakened by 9 paise to close at 89.96 (provisional) against the US dollar, tracking equity losses and sustained foreign fund outflows. Traders said investors remain in wait-and-watch mode ahead of cues from the US Federal Reserve.

The dollar index slipped 0.09% to 99.12, while Brent crude rose 0.26% to USD 62.10 per barrel.