Loading...
27 April 2026 / Brief
Email
Linkedin
Facebook
X
Copy LinkThe Fed is broadly expected to remain on hold at the April Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as policymakers await greater clarity on the conflict in the Middle East and its implications for inflation and growth. Updated TCB forecasts point to a weaker growth trajectory alongside renewed inflation pressures, reinforcing the tension in the Fed’s dual mandate.Fed Firmly on Hold, Powell’s Next Move in Focus
With Senator Thom Tillis clearing the path for Kevin Warsh’s confirmation as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve Board before Chair Powell’s term ends on May 15th, attention is turning to whether Chair Powell will remain on the Board as a governor beyond that point.
With no Summary of Economic Projections or dot plot at this meeting, the focus will be on the policy statement and Chair Powell’s press conference. The Committee is likely to hold rates steady, while emphasizing elevated uncertainty around the economic outlook.
The current characterization of the war in the Middle East that “the implications of developments in the Middle East for the U.S. economy are uncertain” still holds. However, given the high stakes for the outlook, the FOMC could expand language highlighting geopolitical risks, particularly the inflationary impact of higher energy prices and potential drag on acti
myTCB® Members get exclusive access to webcasts, publications, data and analysis, plus discounts to events.
March Retail Sales Rose on Higher Gas Prices
April 21, 2026
Don’t Dismiss February PCE as Old News
April 09, 2026
Fed Meeting Reaction—Remaining on the Sidelines
March 18, 2026
Economy Enters Wartime Shock on Softer Footing Than Expected
March 13, 2026
Charts
The Gray Swans Tool helps C-suite executives better navigate today’s quickly developing economic, political, and technological environments.
LEARN MORE
Charts
This index identifies the risk of future labor shortages for specific occupations.
LEARN MORE
Charts
Our goal is to help members see beyond the political dynamic to inform a medium-term view that supports your strategic planning at this difficult juncture.
LEARN MORE
All release times displayed are Eastern Time
Note: Due to the US federal government shutdown, all further releases for The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI), The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine® Index (HWOL Index), The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® of the US (US LEI) and The Conference Board Global Leading Economic Index® (Global LEI) data may be delayed.
Connect and be informed about this topic through webcasts, virtual events and conferences
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for China Declined in March
April 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for India Ticked Down in March
April 22, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Mexico Increased in March
April 17, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
The LEI for France Ticked up in February
April 17, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for the Euro Area Fell in March
April 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Brazil Declined in March
April 15, 2026
Connect and be informed about this topic through webcasts, virtual events and conferences
April FOMC Preview: Powell’s Swan Song
April 27, 2026 | Brief
March Retail Sales Rose on Higher Gas Prices
April 21, 2026 | Brief
Economy Watch: US View (April 2026)
April 20, 2026 | Article
April 17, 2026 | Article
The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy
April 15, 2026 | Article
Fueling the EU Food Bill: Food Prices Rise 6-12 Months After Natural Gas Prices
April 14, 2026 | Article
The Iran Conflict: Risks for the Global Economy
April 15, 2026
Priced Out: The State of US Housing Affordability
February 11, 2026
The CEO Outlook for 2026—Uncertainty, Risks, Growth & Strategy
January 15, 2026
The Big Picture: What's Ahead for the Global Economy?
December 10, 2025
AI & Talent Transformation: Hiring, Skills, and Workforce Strategy
November 19, 2025
