Economic Calendar: Live Events [Free Tool]
Use our real-time economic calendar to explore key global events on the horizon that could subtly shift or substantially shake up the financial markets.
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What is a Forex Economic Calendar?
A forex economic calendar is a schedule of planned economic events, data releases, and central bank announcements that are known to move currency markets. Each entry shows the date, time, currency affected, expected value, and previous reading — giving traders everything they need to anticipate volatility before it arrives.
Unlike equity calendars that track earnings seasons, the forex economic calendar covers every major global economy 24 hours a day, five days a week. It spans interest rate decisions, inflation reports, employment data, GDP figures, trade balances, and central bank speeches across the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and more.
The gap between the forecast and the actual result — known as the "surprise" — is what drives the most significant short-term price moves. Even a small deviation from the expected number can trigger fast, sharp moves in the affected currency pairs, making calendar awareness an essential part of any trading plan.
Key Economic Events That Move Forex Markets
Not all events are equal. These are the releases traders monitor most closely when planning their week.
Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)
Released on the first Friday of each month by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. NFP measures the number of jobs added outside the farming sector and is one of the highest-impact single releases on the calendar. A strong print typically boosts USD; a weak number often weakens it.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
The CPI measures inflation by tracking changes in the price of a basket of goods and services. Central banks watch CPI closely — higher inflation often signals upcoming rate hikes, which are broadly USD-positive. Released monthly by most major economies.
Central Bank Rate Decisions
Decisions by the Fed, ECB, BoE, RBA, and other central banks are the highest-impact events in any month. Unexpected changes — or hawkish/dovish language — can trigger sustained multi-day trends. Press conferences and forward guidance often move markets more than the rate decision itself.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP measures the total economic output of a country. Better-than-expected GDP strengthens a currency by signalling economic health. GDP figures are released quarterly by most economies and can set medium-term trend direction.
Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
PMI surveys gauge activity in the manufacturing and services sectors. A reading above 50 signals expansion; below 50 signals contraction. Flash PMIs are released ahead of the final figure and often give the first read on economic momentum for the month.
Employment & Unemployment Data
Beyond US NFP, unemployment rates, claimant counts, and employment change figures from the EU, UK, Australia, and Canada regularly move their respective currencies. A tightening labour market generally supports higher rates and a stronger currency.
How to use the economic calendar in your trading plan
High-impact releases can widen spreads and increase slippage. Note the event time in your local timezone, the currency most affected, and whether the outcome typically surprises the market.
Many traders reduce position size ahead of major data, or wait for the initial volatility spike to pass before entering. Combine calendar awareness with your risk rules rather than trading headlines blindly.
Filter by country and impact level to focus on what matters for your pairs. Tracking trends in forecasts versus actual results can also help you interpret whether a release is bullish or bearish for a currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, contact us today.
What is an economic calendar?
Why is it important to follow the economic calendar?
How often do I need to check the economic calendar?
How do I use the Switch Markets economic calendar?
What do actual, forecast and previous mean?
What are the key economic indicators traders should monitor most closely?
What is the US economic calendar?
Which events usually move forex the most?
Should I trade during high-impact news?
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