[Federal Reserve Dot Plot: 16 officials predict that interest rates should be raised in 2026] On September 17, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point interest rate increase on the 17th, the first rate increase in 2026. The Fed's latest dot plot shows that 18 of the 19 officials who submitted dot plot forecasts (consistent with June) believe that interest rates should be raised again this year. Specifically, 4 officials believe that interest rates should be raised by 75 basis points cumulatively in 2026 (1 in June), 12 officials believe that interest rates should be raised by 50 basis points cumulatively (5 in June), and 2 officials believe that interest rates should be raised cumulatively. 25 basis points (3 in June), 0 officials believe that interest rates should remain unchanged at 3.5%-3.75% this year (8 in June), and 0 officials believe that interest rates should be cut by a cumulative 25 basis points (1 in June).