As a forex trader you need to be constantly on top of these data – always ready to read and interpret reports as it is released. You should be able to do this quickly as well because the market immediately reacts to these economic indicators. I know of some forex traders who are on a long position but were caught flat-footed when negative economic data was released that resulted in the currency they were trading in to fall in value. Believe me, it’s not a good position to be in.
One of the most common questions asked by budding traders is what economic data to look out for. The question is understandable since there is a mountain of data that is released on a regular basis. But among forex traders the following indicators and reports are what they often follow. These are the ones that have a strong effect on currency value movements.
Employment data
Employment data is a strong economic indicator because it shows the level of unemployment in a country. As we all know a high unemployment rate can create a bigger strain on a country’s economy. Among the employment related data you need to follow are: Unemployment Rate, Unemployment Claims, Employment Change, Non-Farm Employment Change.
Economic data
The Trade Balance and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the major economies and currency leaders are quite important and immediately have an impact on the value of a currency the moment it is released.
Other economic data that you should also monitor are those that are closely linked to indicating inflation, e.g., the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI).
Central Bank and Policy Makers
The biggest influencers of market movements are, of course, the announcements and policies made by a country’s central bank and the important monetary authorities. The most important data indicators are the interest rate announcements and monetary policy statements released by the country central banks, for example, the European Central Bank (ECB), Federal Reserve (Fed), and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
With so many economic data you need to be on top of, it can get confusing if you try to get information from different sources. The best option would be to visit sites dedicated to forex trading strategy. Most of these sites aggregate all of the relevant articles, policy statements and data that have an effect on the forex market. Aside from being a one-stop shop for forex information, most of these sites also feature data analysis and present you with good explanations as to why a recently released set of economic data will be good or bad for certain currencies.
Your favorite forex trading platform will often have its own news and analysis section as well. This is also a good source of information, and it’s also more convenient because you won’t need to visit different sites. It’s all there in one site.
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Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays in positive territory above 1.0850 after US data
EUR/USD clings to modest daily gains above 1.0850 in the second half of the day on Friday. The improving risk mood makes it difficult for the US Dollar to hold its ground after PCE inflation data, helping the pair edge higher ahead of the weekend.
GBP/USD stabilizes above 1.2850 as risk mood improves
GBP/USD maintains recovery momentum and fluctuates above 1.2850 in the American session on Friday. The positive shift seen in risk mood doesn't allow the US Dollar to preserve its strength and supports the pair.
Gold rebounds above $2,380 as US yields stretch lower
Following a quiet European session, Gold gathers bullish momentum and trades decisively higher on the day above $2,380. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield loses more than 1% on the day after US PCE inflation data, fuelling XAU/USD's upside.
Avalanche price sets for a rally following retest of key support level
Avalanche (AVAX) price bounced off the $26.34 support level to trade at $27.95 as of Friday. Growing on-chain development activity indicates a potential bullish move in the coming days.
The election, Trump's Dollar policy, and the future of the Yen
After an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and drop out of President Biden, Kamala Harris has been endorsed as the Democratic candidate to compete against Trump in the upcoming November US presidential election.
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