The Key Interest Rate Decision Dates for 2026

Introduction to Central Banks and Interest Rates

The world’s central banks have been quite active in 2025, with numerous interest rate cuts implemented by various banks. For instance, the Bank of England cut rates four times, the European Central Bank cut rates three times, and the US Federal Reserve also cut rates three times. These actions have significant impacts on the global economy, and understanding the key dates for interest rate decisions is crucial for investors and economists alike.

European Central Bank

The European Central Bank (ECB) is one of the most influential central banks globally. Its current policy rate stands at 2%. The ECB has announced the following key dates for interest rate decisions in 2026:

• Feb. 5, 2026
• March 19, 2026
• April 30, 2026
• June 11, 2026
• July 23, 2026
• Sept. 10, 2026
• Oct. 29, 2026
• Dec. 17, 2026

Bank of England

The Bank of England, responsible for the monetary policy of the United Kingdom, currently has a policy rate of 3.75%. Its scheduled interest rate decision dates for 2026 are:

• Feb. 5, 2026
• March 19, 2026
• April 30, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• July 30, 2026
• Sep. 17, 2026
• Nov. 5, 2026
• Dec. 17, 2026

Swedish Riksbank

The Swedish Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, has a current policy rate of 1.75%. The key dates for its interest rate decisions in 2026 are:

• Jan. 29, 2026
• March 19, 2026
• May 7, 2026
• June 17, 2026
• Aug. 20, 2026
• Sept. 24, 2026
• Nov. 4, 2026
• Dec. 16, 2026

Swiss National Bank

The Swiss National Bank, with a current policy rate of 0%, has the following dates for its interest rate decisions:

• March 19, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• Sept. 24, 2026
• Dec. 10, 2026

Norges Bank

Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway, currently has a policy rate of 4%. Its interest rate decision dates for 2026 are:

• Jan. 22, 2026
• March 26, 2026
• May 7, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• Aug. 13, 2026
• Sept. 24, 2026
• Nov. 5, 2026
• Dec 17, 2026

US Federal Reserve

The US Federal Reserve, one of the most watched central banks, has a current policy rate ranging from 3.50% to 3.75%. The key dates for its interest rate decisions in 2026 are:

• Jan. 28, 2026
• March 18, 2026
• April 29, 2026
• June 17, 2026
• July 29, 2026
• Sept. 16, 2026
• Oct. 28, 2026
• Dec. 9, 2026

Conclusion

Understanding the interest rate decisions and their scheduled dates is crucial for making informed economic and investment decisions. Central banks like the European Central Bank, Bank of England, Swedish Riksbank, Swiss National Bank, Norges Bank, and the US Federal Reserve play significant roles in shaping monetary policies that affect economies worldwide. Keeping track of these dates and the policy rates of these central banks can provide valuable insights into the future direction of the global economy. As the world navigates through economic challenges and opportunities, the actions of central banks will continue to be under close scrutiny.