Federal Reserve is set to deliver one of the most closely watched policy decisions of 2025 today, September 17. Markets are bracing for the central banks first interest rate cut of the year, with Wall Street widely expecting a 25-basis-point reduction in the federal funds rate.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates, but questions about how big of a cut and the trajectory for future cuts remain uncertain — and the White House's power struggle with the central bank is a complicating factor.

In what was expected to be a contentious Federal Reserve meeting, policymakers on Wednesday instead emerged with a nearly unanimous voice to cut interest rates by a quarter-point.

The Fed meets eight times a year in regularly scheduled meetings to set U.S. monetary policy. The FOMC sets the target range for the federal funds rate, the interest rate banks use to lend to each other, which influences broader rates that affect consumers, like credit card interest rates.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opened his post-meeting press conference Wednesday by discussing the factors behind the Fed’s move to cut rates a quarter point. After the central bank's first rate cut of 2025,

The Federal Reserve's two-day policy-setting meeting begins Tuesday. Policy committee members may be divided on their decision and forecasts.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell answers questions following the central bank's decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points.