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Economic news such as NFP, CPI, GDP, and interest-rate decisions often create large and rapid market swings. Traders who prepare by studying the economic calendar can anticipate volatility and plan accordingly. Different approaches include trading the breakout after news releases, fading overextended moves, or taking long-term positions based on underlying fundamentals. Because spreads widen and slippage increases during news, risk control and smaller position sizes are essential. The right combination of planning and discipline helps traders profit from news-driven opportunities.
News events can create some of the biggest and fastest market movements. Economic reports, central bank meetings, employment data, and geopolitical developments all influence currency behaviour. Traders who approach news events with preparation often find strong opportunities—with the right controls in place.
The first step is understanding the economic calendar. Releases such as Non-Farm Payrolls, CPI, PMI, and interest rate decisions typically generate volatility. Traders should know what time the data is coming, what the forecast is, and how markets reacted in previous releases.
Spreads often widen during news. Liquidity can drop, and slippage becomes more common. Traders should avoid oversized positions before major events unless they are experienced in handling volatility. Some prefer to wait for the initial reaction to settle before entering the market.
There are several styles for news trading. One approach is to trade the breakout after the market chooses a direction. Another is to fade exaggerated moves if price becomes overstretched. A third method is longer-term positioning based on the fundamentals the news reveals.
Risk management is essential during fast-moving conditions. Stop-loss orders may not always execute at exact levels during extreme volatility, making position sizing even more important. Many traders also rely on trading platforms like cTrader and MT5, which offer depth-of-market views and advanced execution tools.
A balanced approach blending technicals, fundamentals, and preparation helps traders navigate news-driven markets more confidently. For those learning the ropes, educational material such as the Forex eBook available in the Learn section of Olympus Capital’s website can improve understanding of how news impacts price.
Nov 21, 2024



