Federal Reserve Calendar: Key Events to Watch (Jan 26 – Feb 6, 2026)
This Federal Reserve calendar covers two critical weeks packed with policy signals, banking data, and interest rate updates. With a major FOMC meeting and the SLOOS lending survey on deck, this period will set the tone for the U.S. economy for the remainder of the first quarter.
If you track U.S. rates, banking health, or stock market volatility, these dates are essential.
Week 1: January 26 to January 30
High-Level Overview
| Date | Key Focus | Market Impact |
| Jan 26 | Rates and FX data | Low to moderate |
| Jan 27 | Money supply data (M2) | Moderate |
| Jan 28 | FOMC Decision + Press Conference | Very High |
| Jan 29 | Reserve balances (H.4.1) | Moderate |
| Jan 30 | Bank balance sheets + Fed Speech | High |
Monday, January 26
Status: Federal offices in Washington, D.C., are closed due to weather; however, the Federal Reserve will proceed with digital data releases.
| Time | Release |
| 1:00 p.m. | Commercial Paper (CP) |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.10 Foreign Exchange Rates |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.15 Selected Interest Rates |
Why it matters: Even with physical office closures, these releases provide the first data points of the week for short-term funding and currency markets.
Tuesday, January 27
| Time | Release |
| 1:00 p.m. | H.6 Money Stock Measures (Money Supply) |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.15 Selected Interest Rates |
Why it matters: The H.6 report tracks the amount of cash and liquid assets in the economy (M2). Investors watch for sharp changes that could signal inflationary pressure or a shift in policy direction.
Wednesday, January 28 (FOMC Decision Day)
| Time | Release |
| 2:00 p.m. | FOMC Policy Statement & Rate Decision |
| 2:30 p.m. | FOMC Press Conference (Chair Powell) |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.15 Selected Interest Rates |
Why it matters: This is the most significant event of the month. The market will react to the rate decision and, more importantly, to Chair Powell’s outlook on inflation, the labor market, and the projected rate path for the rest of 2026.
Friday, January 30
| Time | Release |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.8 Assets and Liabilities of Commercial Banks |
| 5:00 p.m. | Speech: Vice Chair Michelle W. Bowman |
Why it matters: The H.8 report provides a weekly snapshot of banking sector health. Vice Chair Bowman’s post-meeting speech is the first opportunity for the Fed to clarify its stance following the Wednesday decision.
Week 2: February 2 to February 6
High-Level Overview
| Date | Key Focus | Market Impact |
| Feb 2 | Bank lending standards (SLOOS) | High |
| Feb 3–5 | Daily Rate updates | Low to moderate |
| Feb 6 | Consumer credit + H.8 banking data | High |
Monday, February 2
| Time | Release |
| 2:00 p.m. | Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) |
| 4:15 p.m. | G.5 & H.10 Foreign Exchange Rates |
Why it matters: The SLOOS is a major indicator of economic momentum. If banks report that they are tightening lending standards, it typically signals a slowdown in business investment and consumer spending ahead.
Friday, February 6
| Time | Release |
| 3:00 p.m. | G.19 Consumer Credit |
| 4:15 p.m. | H.8 Assets and Liabilities of Commercial Banks |
Why it matters: Consumer credit data tracks how much Americans are borrowing. While rising credit can reflect spending confidence, a spike in credit card balances can also signal financial stress for households.
Key Takeaways:
FOMC week = higher volatility: Expect significant price movement in the hour following the 2:00 p.m. Wednesday announcement.
- Bank data matters: The H.8 and SLOOS reports provide a “look under the hood” of the financial system that headlines often miss.
- Credit trends lead: Watch the SLOOS report on Feb 2; lending conditions often predict economic shifts 6 months in advance.
This Federal Reserve calendar highlights how frequently key signals hit the market, even outside major meeting days. For investors, analysts, and policy watchers, staying ahead of these dates is the best way to avoid market surprises.
