FOMC Meeting Today: What Time & Why Crypto Traders Are Glued to Their Screens

Markets hold their breath. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concludes its two-day policy meeting today—a decision that could send shockwaves through every asset class, from the S&P 500 to the Bitcoin chart.

The Clock is Ticking: When to Watch

The main event kicks off at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. That's when the FOMC releases its official policy statement and interest rate decision. Thirty minutes later, at 2:30 PM ET, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell steps to the podium for the press conference. That Q&A session is where the real volatility often begins, as traders parse every syllable for hints about the future pace of hikes, cuts, or pauses.

Why Crypto Doesn't Get a Hall Pass

Forget the "decoupled from traditional finance" narrative for today. Digital asset markets now move in lockstep with liquidity expectations. A hawkish Fed signaling higher-for-longer rates strengthens the dollar and drains risk appetite—a classic headwind for speculative growth assets. A dovish tilt, however, can send liquidity flooding back into the search for yield, with crypto often riding the wave.

It’s a stark reminder: in finance, there’s no such thing as a free market—only ones waiting for the next central bank pronouncement. Today's verdict doesn't just set the cost of money; it sets the tone for risk-on or risk-off for months to come. Tune in, or get left behind.

The Federal Open Market Committee will release its policy decision today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. During this event, the Fed will also share updated economic projections, including its outlook for growth, inflation, jobs, and future interest rates. Markets are watching closely, as traders widely expect another 25 basis point rate cut to adjust the target range for the federal funds rate.