News & the calendar
Scheduled shocks
Some releases move currencies in seconds: interest-rate decisions, CPI (inflation) and NFP (US jobs, the first Friday of most months). An economic calendar lists them with an impact rating, the forecast and the actual number.
Surprises move price
Price reacts to the gap between forecast and actual. Around big releases, spreads widen and stops can slip, so many traders avoid opening trades just before high-impact news.
Test yourself
Which is a high-impact US release?
Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)NFP regularly moves USD pairs sharply.
What often happens to spreads around big news?
They widenThe banks quoting prices step back during big news, so the gap widens.
US inflation (CPI) comes in far above the forecast. The dollar often…
Strengthens, as markets expect higher ratesHigher inflation can push the Fed toward higher rates.
Why check an economic calendar?
To avoid being surprised by volatility from scheduled eventsTiming risk is still risk.
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