[The Federal Reserve to Announce Rate Decision Early Thursday, 87.6% Probability of a 25 Basis Point Rate Cut] The Federal Reserve will announce its rate decision at 3:00 AM (UTC+8) on Thursday, with Chairman Powell holding a press conference at 3:30 AM (UTC+8). CME data shows an 87.6% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut. Bank of America expects the Federal Reserve to announce monthly purchases of $45 billion in short-term Treasury bills starting in January. Among the 12 voting members of the FOMC, 5 are skeptical about easing policy, while 3 governors support a rate cut.