NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the highly anticipated September Federal Reserve meeting begins Tuesday, September 16, and will conclude Wednesday, September 17, with policymakers expected to resume interest rate cuts after a string of weaker jobs data.
Markets are pricing in a near-certain 25 basis-point cut, while some investors see a slim chance of a deeper 50 basis-point reduction, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. The central bank’s updated Summary of Economic Projections, its so-called “dot plot” and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference are expected to provide crucial guidance on the Fed’s outlook.
President Donald Trump has publicly pressured Powell to deliver a “big cut,” adding political tension to an already pivotal meeting. Analysts say Powell’s remarks will be closely scrutinized for how the Fed balances slowing employment growth against stubbornly high inflation.
On Wall Street, stocks rallied ahead of “Fed Week,” with the Nasdaq Composite closing at a record high Monday. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted gains, while Treasury yields ticked lower, reflecting investor expectations of further monetary easing.
Despite recent labor market weakness, including major downward revisions showing 911,000 fewer jobs created between April 2024 and March 2025 equities remain resilient. Analysts note that historically, rate-cutting cycles have often boosted stock performance, though outcomes vary depending on whether cuts succeed in averting recession.
The meeting comes amid a flurry of global central bank decisions. The Bank of Canada is expected to cut rates, while the Bank of England and Bank of Japan are likely to hold steady. Analysts say the Bank of Japan could hint at a rate hike later this year.
In Washington, political drama also surrounds the Fed. The Senate could confirm Stephen Miran to the Fed Board this week, while Trump continues his legal battle to remove Governor Lisa Cook, a move critics warn would undermine central bank independence.
Beyond the Fed, investors will also watch Tuesday’s August retail sales report for fresh signals on consumer spending—a key factor in the inflation and growth outlook.
For now, markets are firmly betting on a modest rate cut, with futures showing a 96% probability of a 25 basis-point move. Whether Powell signals a faster pace of easing, however, remains the question that could set the tone for financial markets through the rest of 2025.
Follow along for real-time coverage of the Federal Reserve’s September policy meeting, market reactions, and political developments.
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 — 8:00 AM ET
The Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting begins today. Investors are widely expecting a 25 basis-point rate cut, with CME FedWatch showing a 96% probability. Markets are watching closely for clues on the Fed’s next moves.
8:45 AM ET
President Donald Trump renewed calls for a “big cut” to benchmark interest rates in a social media post, urging Fed Chair Jerome Powell to move more aggressively. Political pressure on the Fed is adding a sharp edge to this week’s meeting.
9:30 AM ET
Markets opened higher across the board. The Nasdaq Composite hit another all-time high, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also traded in the green. Treasury yields edged lower, with the 2-year note at 3.535% and the 30-year bond at 4.645%.
10:15 AM ET
Analysts say Powell’s press conference tomorrow will be critical. “The market may take its near-term cues from Powell’s tone, especially around jobs and inflation,” said Chris Larkin, Managing Director at E*TRADE.
11:05 AM ET
The Fed’s “dot plot,” or Summary of Economic Projections, is expected to reveal how committee members see interest rates trending into 2026. Many economists expect the central bank to flag a gradual pace of easing rather than a rapid cutting cycle.
12:30 PM ET
Labor market data remains a sticking point. Revisions show 911,000 fewer jobs created from April 2024 to March 2025, the steepest adjustment on record. Still, equities continue to rally, with the S&P 500 logging 24 new highs this year alone.
1:15 PM ET
Political drama continues in Washington: The Senate could vote on Stephen Miran’s nomination to the Fed Board today, while Trump presses ahead with his effort to remove Governor Lisa Cook. A D.C. appeals court ruling on Cook’s case is expected later.
2:45 PM ET
Global context: The Bank of Canada is expected to announce a 25 bps rate cut tomorrow morning, while the Bank of England and Bank of Japan are likely to hold steady. Traders anticipate a possible BoJ hike later this year.
3:30 PM ET
Wall Street is also bracing for Tuesday morning’s August retail sales report. Strong consumer spending could complicate the Fed’s easing path, even as the jobs market weakens.
Closing Note
Markets are positioning for a modest 25 bps cut, but the big question remains: Will Powell hint at faster or larger moves ahead? Stay tuned for live coverage of the Fed’s decision on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu has broken silence on South Africa Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.…
Senate has reversed controversial standing rules amendment and reopened contest for top leadership positions ahead…
Nigeria is not for sale, and its future must not remain in the hands of…
Aguata Youths have rejected ‘Emi Lokan’ politics and demanded for competence and fair power rotation…
Aisha Yesufu has dumped ADC for NDC and declared bid for FCT Senate seat in…
In Nigeria’s fast-paced and often unpredictable media environment, brands are facing a new kind of…
