Fed minutes point to another 2026 interest rate hike
CIE News ·
FOMC minutes released on October 7 show 16 of 18 officials favor raising the federal funds rate further in 2026, following a unanimous vote to lift rates to 3.75%–4.00%.
The Federal Reserve released the official minutes from its September 15–16 policy meeting on October 7, 2026, revealing that most participants view an additional interest rate increase as likely appropriate before the end of the year. The document confirmed a unanimous 12–0 vote to raise the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%.
According to stocktitan.net, projections submitted for the meeting show that 16 of 18 officials anticipate at least one more quarter-point rate increase by the end of 2026. Twelve policymakers projected a year-end midpoint of 4.125%, four penciled in 4.375%, and two participants expected the midpoint to remain unchanged at 3.875%.
Policymakers emphasized that upcoming decisions will depend on incoming economic data and risk assessments across the remaining 2026 meetings on October 27–28 and December 8–9. Minutes noted that some officials observed inflation risks leaning toward faster price growth, while several members described current borrowing costs as only mildly restrictive.