Market Analysis6 min read
Economic Calendar: How to Trade (or Avoid) Major Events
An economic calendar is essential for CFD traders. Learn which events matter, which to trade, and which to avoid. Which releases move CFDs, and how to trade.
Why the Economic Calendar Matters
Economic releases move markets. Some events cause 50-100 pip moves in seconds. Knowing when they're scheduled lets you either trade them or avoid them. Trading without checking the calendar is reckless.
High-Impact Events
- NFP (Non-Farm Payrolls): First Friday of each month, 15:30 SAST — massive USD moves
- CPI (Consumer Price Index): Monthly — inflation data drives rate expectations
- FOMC rate decision: 8 times per year — the biggest USD event
- ECB/BoE rate decisions: Monthly — major EUR/GBP events
- GDP: Quarterly — economic growth data
Trading Strategy
- Pre-event: Close positions 30 minutes before high-impact releases unless you're trading the news
- During event: Straddle or wait-and-fade strategies (see News Trading guide)
- Post-event: Wait 15-30 minutes for the dust to settle, then trade the follow-through direction
Disclaimer: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70-80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Backtesting does not guarantee future results. Always consider whether you can afford the potential loss of your capital.