Fed Rate Freeze March 2026: Powell May Exit Without Cuts Amid Growth

The long-awaited pivot is slipping further away. According to a recent Reuters poll, the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates at their current levels through at least March 2026. Robust economic growth continues to defy expectations, keeping inflation pressures too high for the central bank to justify a policy shift.

Why the Fed Rate Freeze March 2026 is Likely

Economists suggest that the resilient labor market and strong consumer spending are effectively blocking the path to rate cuts. Reuters reports that a majority of surveyed experts now believe the Fed will stay on hold until the end of the first quarter of next year. Some even speculate that Jerome Powell might conclude his tenure as Chair without ever seeing a return to lower rates, as the benchmark remains steady at 5.25-5.50%.

Strong Growth vs. Inflation Targets

The dilemma for Jerome Powell is clear: cutting rates while growth is above trend could reignite inflation. As we head into 2026, the narrative has shifted from 'when will they cut' to 'can the economy handle this indefinitely.' This sentiment is reshaping expectations across global bond markets and equity valuations.