How to Use the Economic Calendar
Economic events are the primary drivers of short-term forex volatility. A surprise CPI print or an unexpected rate hike can move a currency pair 50-100 pips in seconds. Use this calendar to plan your trading week - avoid entering positions right before major releases, or trade the volatility if that's your strategy.
Event Types
- Interest Rate Decisions
- Central bank rate announcements - the single most impactful event for any currency. FOMC, ECB, BOE, BOJ, RBA, RBNZ decisions cause major repricing.
- Inflation (CPI/PPI)
- Consumer and producer price indices drive rate expectations. Higher-than-expected inflation = hawkish central bank = stronger currency.
- Employment (NFP, Unemployment)
- US Non-Farm Payrolls is the most traded data release globally. Employment data signals economic health and influences Fed policy.
- GDP Growth
- Quarterly GDP reports measure economic output. Strong growth supports currency appreciation; contraction signals recession risk.
- PMI Surveys
- Manufacturing and services Purchasing Managers' Index - forward-looking indicators. Above 50 = expansion, below 50 = contraction.