The Fed Holds Rates Steady: How Long Will The Pause Last? | January 29, 2026

On today’s Hot Sheet, Byron Lazine broke down the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates at 3.5% to 3.75% as growth stays strong and inflation hovers near 3%, with markets now pricing in no more than two cuts in 2026.

He also walked through Jerome Powell’s statements on affordability and other standout topics from the January 28 FOMC press conference.

To wrap up, Byron reviewed the latest U.S. Department of Labor unemployment data showing initial claims fell to 209,000 and insured unemployment dropped to 1.827 million, the lowest level since September 2024.