News trading is an excellent way of profiting in the Forex market. Economic news usually has the ability to increase volatility and thus potential trade opportunities in the market. However, it is important to only trade the news that has the highest ability to cause movements in the market. As much as the markets often react to the majority of economic news from different countries, those from big economies such as the U.S. and Europe play a significant role on currency market moves.
Here are some news reports that are trade-worthy:
Interest rates
Interest rates have the ability to cause significant movements in the Forex market. By increasing, maintaining, or lowering interest rates, central banks exert influence over the value of currencies. If raised, the exchange rate of a particular currency would appreciate in value, and if decreased, the exchange rate would depreciate in value. When an interest rate rises, it would offer lenders in an economy a higher return as compared to other countries; therefore, there would be an increased inflow of foreign capital that ultimately would cause the value of a currency to appreciate. Generally, it is seen as a good thing when interest rates increase and a bad thing when interest rates decrease.
Economic indicators
Economic indicators give a picture of the general performance of the economy of a country. They enable analysis of current performance and future forecasts of the economy of a country. Economic indicators comprise of various indices, earnings reports, and economic summaries, and some of which include Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Product (GNP), Consumer spending, capital expenditure, and government expenditure.
Inflation rates
As a general rule, a country having a high inflation rate usually has a weak currency, since its purchasing power decreases as compared to other currencies of its trading partners. To strengthen the value of a currency, the central bank of a country may make a decision to increase the interest rates.
Employment indicators
In order to comprehend the economic health of a country, it is essential to know the employment statistics of that particular country. Therefore, various employment indicators released on a regular basis are very important in affecting the value of currencies in the Forex market. An example of this is the U.S. Non-Farm Payroll released on a monthly basis.
Balance of trade announcements
As a general rule, a country with a positive Balance of Trade (BOT) usually has a rising currency.