Fed keeps rates steady despite calls for cut in January 2026. The Federal Open Market Committee concluded its two-day meeting held Jan. 27-28 and decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent. In its policy statement, the Fed noted that "Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated," which it cited as a reason for holding the current stance.
Fed Maintains Interest Rates Amid Political Pressure
The FOMC reiterated that it will keep borrowing costs where they are, choosing not to adjust the target range at this meeting. The decision came after the committee reviewed recent data and conditions, and the statement emphasized the continued uncertainty around the outlook. Markets and commentators noted external pressures around the meeting, but the Committee's action was to preserve the existing policy setting.
Dissenting Voices in the FOMC
Two policymakers registered objections to the decision to hold rates unchanged. Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller both opposed the majority and instead favored a quarter-point reduction, marking a clear minority view within the Committee. The disagreement was disclosed in the policy statement and highlights a split over the appropriate near-term path for rates.
Market Reactions and Next Steps
Market attention shifted quickly to comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as investors sought guidance on how policymakers interpret recent data. Traders were expected to parse Powell's tone for hints about timing and conditions for any future adjustments, making his remarks the focal point after the statement.
Short-term price quotes after the decision showed varied reactions across assets. Key levels reported were:
- Bitcoin: $89,393
- Gold: $5,279 per ounce
- Major U.S. equity indexes: broadly softer following the announcement
For context on how markets were positioning before the meeting, see the crypto outlook 2026, and for broader Fed rate expectations refer to the Fed rate forecast.
Key Takeaways for Investors
The immediate takeaway is that the Fed chose stability over a near-term cut, while two members signaled a different view by voting for a 0.25% reduction. The Committee's statement explicitly cited elevated uncertainty about the economic outlook, leaving the future path of policy conditional on incoming information. With Powell's remarks now central, investors are likely to base short-term positioning on his guidance rather than the vote alone.
Почему это важно
Если вы майните в России, решение ФРС напрямую не меняет работу ваших ригов, но оно влияет на глобальные рынки и ликвидность, которые определяют курс и волатильность криптовалют. При этом упомянутые в заявлении риски и раскол в голосах показывают, что монетарная политика остаётся под вопросом, а это сохраняет неопределённость для торгов и обменных операций.
Что делать?
Короткие и практичные шаги для майнера с 1–1000 устройств: следите за выступлением Пауэлла — его тон важнее самого решения; фиксируйте прибыль поэтапно, если хотите сократить риск волатильности; проверяйте доступность и стоимость электроэнергии и возможности пуловой работы, чтобы гибко реагировать на движения рынка. Эти простые действия помогут уменьшить операционные и ценовые риски без ожидания конкретных решений от регулятора.
FAQ
Why did the Fed keep interest rates unchanged in January 2026? The Fed cited elevated uncertainty about the economic outlook and decided to maintain its current policy stance. Which Fed officials supported a rate cut? FOMC members Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller favored a quarter-point reduction. What are markets watching next from the Fed? Investors are focused on Jerome Powell's comments for clues on future policy changes.
