🇺🇸 FOMC CHEAT SHEET: March 18, 2026

A step-by-step guide to the statement, the press conference, and market reaction

This newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading financial markets involves a high degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before taking action.

⏰ The Timeline (GMT / ET)

Volatility typically spikes twice: first at the Data Release (algo reaction), and second during the Press Conference (more human reaction).

• 17:30 GMT / 1:30 PM ET: 🔴 YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM BEGINS

• 18:00 GMT / 2:00 PM ET: 👨‍💻 THE DATA DROP

  • The Decision: The Headline Rate (Hold)

  • The Statement: Specific word changes vs January

  • The SEP: CRITICAL Quarterly release: the Fed’s updated 3-year economic projections

  • The Dot Plot: CRITICAL Quarterly release: where each member expects rates to go

• 18:30 GMT / 2:30 PM ET: 🎙️ THE SPEECH

  • Jerome Powell’s opening statement

  • Press Q&A

• 22:00 GMT / 6:00 PM ET: 📝 THE DEBRIEF NEWSLETTER

  • Full breakdown of the day

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