How to Do Fundamental Analysis in Forex
What Is Fundamental Analysis in Forex?
Fundamental analysis examines economic, social, and political forces that influence currency supply and demand. Unlike technical analysis, which focuses on price charts, fundamental analysis looks at the big picture. For Myanmar traders, the most relevant factors include US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, Myanmar's trade balance, inflation reports, and political stability. When the Fed raises rates, the USD typically strengthens against the kyat. Similarly, if Myanmar's inflation rises, the kyat may weaken.
Key Economic Indicators for Myanmar Traders
1. Interest Rates: Track the US Fed funds rate and Myanmar's central bank policy rate. Higher US rates attract capital, strengthening USD. 2. GDP Growth: Strong US GDP boosts USD; strong Myanmar GDP supports MMK. 3. Inflation: High inflation erodes currency value. Myanmar's inflation is often influenced by food and energy imports. 4. Trade Balance: Myanmar imports more than it exports, which can weaken the kyat. 5. Employment Data: US non-farm payrolls (NFP) reports cause major USD volatility.
How to Interpret News Events
Use an economic calendar (e.g., ForexFactory) to track high-impact events. When a news release beats expectations, the currency usually strengthens. For example, if US NFP comes in higher than forecast, USD/MMK may rise. Always check the consensus vs. actual figures. For Myanmar-specific news, monitor local political developments and natural disasters that can affect the economy.
Applying Fundamental Analysis to Your Trades
Start by creating a watchlist of major pairs like USD/MMK, EUR/USD, and GBP/USD. Each week, review the economic calendar for high-impact events. Before trading, ask: What is the market expecting? What is the actual outcome? Then, decide whether to go long or short. Combine this with technical analysis for entry and exit points. For example, if the Fed signals a rate hike, you might buy USD/MMK, but wait for a pullback to a support level.