How to Do Fundamental Analysis in Forex
What Is Fundamental Analysis?
Fundamental analysis examines the intrinsic value of a currency by analyzing economic, social, and political factors. Unlike technical analysis, which studies price charts, fundamentals look at the 'why' behind market moves. For Turkmenistan traders, the most relevant currency is the US dollar (USD) because your trading account is denominated in USD and most brokers offer USD pairs.
Key Economic Indicators to Watch
Focus on these indicators: Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) – released first Friday of each month, measures US job growth; Consumer Price Index (CPI) – tracks inflation; Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – quarterly economic growth; and Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. These directly impact USD value. For example, if US CPI rises above expectations, the dollar typically strengthens because higher inflation may lead to rate hikes.
How to Use an Economic Calendar
Use free tools like Forex Factory or Investing.com. Set the calendar to 'High Impact' events only. For Turkmenistan traders, note the time zone difference (Turkmenistan is UTC+5, so US events occur in the evening local time). Plan your trading sessions around these releases. Avoid trading 30 minutes before and after major news unless you have experience.
Interpreting News Releases
Compare the actual data against forecast and previous values. If actual > forecast, the currency often strengthens. But market reaction depends on expectations. For instance, if NFP is 250K vs 200K forecast, USD may rally. However, if the market already priced in a strong number, the reaction could be muted. Always check the broader context – risk sentiment, geopolitical events, and oil prices matter for Turkmenistan traders because energy markets influence global risk appetite.
Combining Fundamentals with Technicals
Use fundamentals to determine the overall trend direction, then use technical analysis for entry and exit points. For example, if US CPI is rising, you might look for long USD/TRY setups, but wait for a technical pullback to enter. This hybrid approach reduces false signals and improves trade quality.