Definition
The central bank of the United States. It sets short-term interest rates and oversees the banking system.
The story
Think of the Fed as the economy's thermostat. When prices run hot, it turns rates up to cool things down. When the economy gets too cold, with jobs disappearing, it turns rates down to warm things up. It can't control the weather, only the dial.
Why markets watch it
Its decisions ripple into every loan, every bond and every stock price.
IN HISTORICAL DATA
Latest Fed decisions: Wed, Oct 28, 2026 · As expected
- Decision
- Hold
- S&P 500
- +0.3%
- Nasdaq
- +0.3%
- Gold
- Spot $4,035.48/oz, down 0.60%
History, not a prediction. Every row lists its sources.
All Fed decisions →See it in the story
Connects to
FOMCFederal funds rateDual mandateMonetary policyCentral bankInterest rateFed independenceBoard of GovernorsReserve Banks
Last seen in
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms