The central bank's so-called dot plot showed a median estimate of 3.4% for the federal funds rate, the same as at the end of last year.

The 32 respondents, including fund managers, analysts and economists, see oil prices on average at $88 a barrel six months from now.

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep its key interest rate at the target range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Traders will be listening closely for next steps on policy.

The US central bank is moving cautiously, despite pressure from the president to cut interest rates.

The central bank's so-called dot plot showed a median estimate of 3.4% for the federal funds rate, the same as at the end of last year.