Kalshi Traders Bet on Fed Rate Hikes After Hawkish Signals

Kalshi traders see growing odds that the Federal Reserve will hike rates this year after central bank policymakers indicated that higher rates could be in the cards.

Chances of a Fed hike in 2026 surged to 57% on Wednesday night, up from 35% on Monday, according to the prediction markets platform.

Kalshi traders also see a 72% likelihood of a hike before July 2027 and an 85% probability of an increase before 2028.

On Wednesday, the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee decided to maintain interest rates at a target range of 3.5%-3.75%, a move that was widely expected based on the fed funds futures trading market.

However, central bank officials also signaled that a rate hike may be in the cards, changing their previous outlook for a cut this year. Nine out of 18 participating officials expect that the federal funds rate will end 2026 above the current range. The median projection calls for the fed funds rate to end the year at 3.8%.

Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, in his first meeting at the helm of the central bank, abstained from providing a forecast on the outlook for rates through the closely watched "dot plot."

"I did not submit a dot for me," Warsh said in his post-meeting press conference. "It's not helpful in the conduct of policy."

The central bank's hawkish tilt also came through in its post-meeting statement, which was overhauled and ultimately removed language that hinted at future cuts.

Warsh noted the committee's statement was concise compared to past statements.

"It's a bit shorter, a bit simpler and it dispenses with some older language," he said. "That statement just gives you the facts, as best we can judge it."

The next committee meeting is scheduled for July 28-29.

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