How to read a forex economic calendar

How it works

Common entries include inflation, employment, growth, surveys and central-bank decisions. Markets often react to the difference between the published number and expectations, not just whether the number looks strong or weak.

What to check

Use calendars to know when information arrives, then verify the actual release with the responsible statistics office or central bank. Consensus forecasts are estimates, not official data.

• Verify releases at the official source
• Separate forecasts from published data
• Expect volatility around major events

Limits and risks

Scheduled releases can create sudden volatility and slippage. A calendar helps with timing but does not predict the direction or size of the market response.