FOMC September 2026: Is the Fed Ready to Hike Rates?
August’s core CPI rose 0.3% month-over-month, pushing the odds of a 25bp rate hike this week close to 90%. In my view, the Fed is highly likely to raise rates at the September 15–16 meeting.
Is this just a one-off move? Not necessarily. With inflation still above the 2% target and elevated energy price pressures, this could mark the start of a longer hiking cycle. Under Chair Kevin Warsh, the Fed appears more focused on protecting its price-stability credibility.
Market implications:
BTC: Likely short-term reactive and negative due to tighter liquidity, but could rebound once the “higher for longer” narrative is fully priced in.
Tech stocks: Temporarily bearish, as high valuations remain sensitive to higher rates.
Gold: Bullish as a safe-haven asset amid rising policy uncertainty.
BTCUSDTPerp77,571.7+1.47%
My trading plan next:
I’m holding part of my BTC for the long term while waiting for the official FOMC decision. In the short term, I’m ready to reduce exposure in tech stocks and add a modest gold position as a hedge.
What’s your take? Do you also expect a rate hike this week?