Rate decisions, NFP and CPI move markets in seconds. How to prepare for high-impact events, and when to stay out.
Scheduled data releases — central bank rate decisions, US non-farm payrolls, inflation prints — are the most predictable sources of volatility in the calendar. Prepared traders treat them as opportunities; unprepared traders get stopped out.
Before the release
Know the consensus forecast and what the market has priced in. Widen or remove stops that sit inside the expected reaction range, or reduce size ahead of the event.
The first minutes
Spreads widen and prices can gap. Many professionals wait for the initial spike to settle and trade the second move, when direction is clearer and liquidity has returned.
Longer-term positioning
A surprise that changes the interest-rate outlook can set the trend for weeks. Look for follow-through on the daily chart rather than fading the first move.
This article is general education, not investment advice.
