An economic calendar lists scheduled data releases and events, such as inflation reports, jobs data, central bank rate decisions and GDP, with the expected figure and the time. Traders use it to know when volatility is likely. The biggest movers are central bank decisions, CPI inflation, non-farm payrolls and GDP. Check it each morning, and decide beforehand whether to avoid or trade each event.
An economic calendar is a schedule of the events most likely to move markets. Used well, it keeps you from being surprised by a sudden spike. This guide covers what is on it, how to read it and how to build a routine around it.
What an economic calendar shows
Each row usually has:
| Column | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Time | When the number is released, shown in your time zone (check this setting) |
| Currency or country | Which market it affects |
| Event | The name of the release or speech |
| Impact | Low, medium or high expected market impact |
| Forecast | The consensus expectation from economists |
| Previous | The last reading |
| Actual | The released number, filled in when it comes out |
Markets move on the surprise, the gap between actual and forecast, more than on the number itself.
The events that matter most
Central bank decisions. Interest rate announcements from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Japan and others. The statement and press conference often move markets as much as the rate itself.
Inflation (CPI and PPI). Consumer and producer price data. Higher-than-expected inflation can push rate expectations up, which tends to affect stocks, bonds and currencies.
Employment data. In the US, the monthly non-farm payrolls report and unemployment rate. It is one of the most volatile releases for forex and index futures.
GDP. Growth figures, released quarterly, with revisions.
Retail sales, PMIs and consumer confidence. Signals on spending and business activity.
Company earnings. Not on a macro calendar, but equally important for stock traders. Check an earnings calendar for stocks you hold.
Release dates and times are set by each agency, so always confirm them on the calendar itself.
Score the Setup Before You Take It
TRADZY's Void Engine rates any setup 0–100 across 12+ variables: structure, trend alignment, volume, momentum and key levels.
Score a Setup Free →How to use it each day
- Check the calendar every morning for high-impact events in the markets you trade.
- Note the time and convert it to your time zone.
- Decide your plan in advance. There are three reasonable choices: - Stand aside until the release and the first volatile minutes pass. - Reduce size or tighten risk if you hold a position through the event. - Trade the reaction, after the first move settles, with defined risk. This is advanced and expensive for beginners.
- Do not move your stop in the minutes before a release out of fear. Decide the plan before the event.
Why news trading is risky
- Spreads widen and liquidity thins around releases. See liquidity in trading.
- Slippage on stops and market orders can be large. See slippage in trading.
- Whipsaws are common: price spikes one way, reverses, then settles.
- The "obvious" reaction is often wrong. Good numbers can send a market down if they were already priced in.
If you want to try it, read news trading and practise on a demo account first. See paper trading.
Calendars for different markets
- Forex and futures traders: follow central bank and macro data. See the Forex Factory calendar guide.
- Stock traders: add earnings, dividend and index rebalancing dates.
- Crypto traders: macro data still matters, plus token unlocks, network upgrades and exchange announcements.
Common mistakes
- Reading times in the wrong time zone.
- Trading every release instead of choosing the ones that fit your plan.
- Ignoring that surprises, not the data, drive the move.
- Forgetting events that are not on the calendar, such as unscheduled speeches and geopolitical news.
FAQ
What is an economic calendar?
A schedule of upcoming economic data releases and events, with forecasts and impact ratings, used by traders to anticipate volatility.
Which economic events move the market the most?
Central bank rate decisions, inflation reports (CPI), jobs data such as US non-farm payrolls, and GDP. The size of the move depends on how far the result differs from forecasts.
Should I trade during news releases?
Beginners are usually better off staying out or reducing size, since spreads widen, slippage rises and price whipsaws. If you do trade the news, use defined risk and practise first.
What time are economic releases?
Times vary by country and agency. Check the calendar for the exact time and make sure it is set to your local time zone.
Where can I find an economic calendar?
Many brokers, financial news sites and charting platforms publish free calendars. Compare the time and forecast with the official source for important events.
Put This Into Practice
- Score your next setup 0–100 with the Void Engine before entering
- Log the trade and tag the setup in the TradLog
- Review weekly: keep what pays, cut what doesn't
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Educational content, not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.