The Fed kept its benchmark rate at 3.75% to 4% on Oct. 28, 2026, in a 10-2 vote.
Federal Reserve interest rates will stay at 3.75% to 4% for now. On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 to hold the target range, which keeps the prime rate, and most variable-rate small business loans, where they are.
The Federal Reserve left the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.75% to 4% after its Oct. 27-28, 2026, meeting. The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2; the two dissenting members, Lisa D. Cook and Beth M. Hammack, preferred a quarter-point increase.
What it means for small businesses: rates on variable-rate loans and lines of credit, including most SBA 7(a) loans, follow the prime rate, which moves with the federal funds rate. With no change, borrowing costs on those loans stay where they are for now. Owners planning to borrow can use this pause to compare lenders and lock in terms.
