The Global Calendar: Key Dates to Watch Before 2026 Ends
The last stretch of 2026 is unusually crowded. Economic policy, elections, diplomacy and climate negotiations all converge in the next ten weeks, and several of them are tightly linked to the same underlying story: the energy shock and the war behind it. Here are the dates worth marking.
October 27: Federal Reserve Decision
The Fed’s next policy meeting follows September’s quarter-point increase to 3.75%-4.00%. Some banks expect a further hike, while others see a pause. The result will influence borrowing costs well beyond the United States.
October: Possible Ukraine Talks
Kyiv has said it is preparing for a new trilateral round with Russia and the United States this month. The Kremlin has not ruled it out, but no schedule has been confirmed in the reporting reviewed here.
November 3: U.S. Midterm Elections
Control of the House and Senate is at stake. Polls currently favor Democrats in national preference, and the result could reshape U.S. policy on tariffs, the Iran war and spending.
November 9 to 20: COP31 in Antalya
The Leaders’ Summit on November 11 and 12 is the highlight. Climate finance and implementation of existing pledges are expected to lead the agenda.
Early December: Another Fed Meeting
The committee wraps up its year with a final meeting in early December, when new projections will show how officials see inflation and rates in 2027.
December 10: Nobel Ceremony
Navi Pillay receives the Peace Prize in Oslo, a moment that is likely to focus attention on international law.
December: G20 Summit in Miami
Leaders of the world’s major economies are scheduled to gather in Miami. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he would be willing to meet Vladimir Putin there, though no such meeting has been arranged.
The Constant: Oil and Hormuz
No date on the calendar will matter as much as the day-to-day condition of the Strait of Hormuz. With traffic at roughly two-thirds of its pre-war level and Brent above $100, any breakthrough or escalation there could alter the outlook for every item above.
This article reflects reporting available as of October 16, 2026. Fast-moving events may have changed since.