The US Federal Reserve is always in the spotlight, and that spotlight is brighter than ever in 2026.

In this episode of The Decisive, economist Lawrence Nelson, our resident Fed expert at S&P Global Market Intelligence, breaks down why the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its January meeting, and what "sticky" inflation could mean for the first part of the year.

We also examine the leadership uncertainty ahead of Jerome Powell's term as Fed chair ending in May, including how a US Justice Department investigation could complicate the transition—without necessarily changing the Fed's data-driven approach to monetary policy.

The episode offers a quick refresher on the Fed's dual mandate, the key indicators policymakers watch, and how disruptions—such as last year's government shutdown—can impact the data flow the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) relies on when setting rates.

Listen now to learn more about what our Fed expert is watching in January and beyond, and gain insights to guide your business decisions in the year ahead.

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Credits:

Host: Kristen Hallam
Guest: Lawrence Nelson
Produced By: Kristen Hallam
Edited By: Marz Marcello
Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun