The dot plot, if open, is in the end a picture that can change at a rapid pace with the introduction of fresh data. Over these economic morsels is ratcheted a ratcheting up of political pressure.

Key benefits of reading the Fed’s dot plot The Fed’s dot plot can help clue Fed watchers into how the committee is reacting to the latest economic data.

The dot plot is updated every three months and is meant to provide insight into the Fed's future rate decisions, with the caveat that Fed officials can’t always predict the future.