How to Use an Economic Calendar
What Is an Economic Calendar?
An economic calendar displays the date, time, currency, and expected impact of upcoming economic data releases. For San Marino traders focusing on USD pairs, key events include U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Federal Reserve meetings. The calendar also shows previous and forecasted values, which help you gauge market expectations.
How to Read the Calendar
Each entry shows the event name, country, time (usually in GMT or local time), and a volatility rating (low, medium, high). High-impact events like NFP can cause large price swings. You should also note the 'previous' and 'forecast' columns. If the actual value differs significantly from the forecast, the market may move sharply.
Applying It to USD Trading from San Marino
Since San Marino is in the CET/CEST time zone, adjust the calendar to your local time. For example, U.S. NFP is typically released at 8:30 AM ET, which is 2:30 PM CET or 1:30 PM CEST. Plan your trading session accordingly. Also, consider that European data (like Eurozone PMI) affects EUR/USD, a key pair for San Marino traders.
Strategies for Using the Calendar
One common strategy is to avoid trading 30 minutes before and after a high-impact release unless you have a proven news trading strategy. Another is to use the calendar to set pending orders or to hedge existing positions. Always check if your broker allows trading during news events, as some restrict certain practices.