Fed Holds Rates, but Warsh Is Shrinking Its Rate-Setting Calendar

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh held interest rates at 3.75% to 4.00% on Wednesday. He also said the Fed will shrink its rate-setting calendar, starting in 2027 with one meeting that skips rate votes.

Only seven of the Fed’s eight 2027 meetings will set rates, and Warsh expects six of eight in 2028. Bitcoin (BTC) and other rate-sensitive assets could face fewer scheduled catalysts.

Why Is Warsh Shrinking the Fed’s Rate-Setting Calendar?

Warsh said the strategy-only meeting would give Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members room to debate long-term questions.

Those strategy meetings would carry no policy statement and no vote on the Fed’s benchmark federal funds rate.

He argued the calendar itself matters.

“I believe the setting of the meeting schedule and agenda is more than some administrative detail.”

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, in remarks carried by CNBC

Historically, the Fed has used eight yearly meetings since 1981, with four as the minimum.

Can Markets Handle Fewer Fed Decision Days?

However, the hold was not unanimous. Fed Governor Lisa Cook and one other official dissented for a hike, making the vote 10-2.

Warsh said first-half growth estimates rose to 2.4% from 1.8%, and inflation has topped target for nearly six years.

He said new data over the coming weeks will sharpen the December call on raising rates. Morgan Stanley had warned beforehand that the hold won’t end hikes.

With a December hike under debate, fewer decision days may make each vote a bigger event for traders. That read weakens if strategy meetings still move expectations, though Warsh said he does not expect policy decisions from them.

Meanwhile, Warsh told reporters politics played no role in the decision, Reuters reported. Elections that decide congressional control arrive Nov. 3.

President Donald Trump has tried to remove Cook for over a year. The White House has scheduled a possible proceeding against her for Nov. 5.

A thinner calendar could therefore squeeze the hike debate into fewer votes. In contrast, the White House keeps pressing against hikes, and the Fed’s independence is on the line.