Latest results, release dates and calendars for the four biggest forex events: NFP, FOMC, ECB and BoC.
The next scheduled releases across NFP, FOMC, ECB and BoC, soonest first. Times are shown in each institution’s own timezone, with your local time where your browser supports it.
Scheduled economic events are the moments when fresh information about jobs, growth or interest rates reaches the whole market at once. Currencies are priced on expectations, so what often matters is not the number itself but how it compares with the forecast. A result well above or below consensus can reprice a currency within seconds, which is why spreads widen and price can jump around release time.
The four events on this page are among the most closely watched. US Non-Farm Payrolls shows the strength of the American labour market, while the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Canada decide the cost of borrowing for the dollar, euro and Canadian dollar. Rate decisions are read together with the statement and press conference, because guidance on future moves can matter as much as the decision itself.
| Event | Published by | Frequency | Release time | Currency | Pairs often watched |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Farm Payroll | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Monthly | 8:30 AM EST | USD | EUR/USD, USD/JPY, XAU/USD |
| FOMC Meeting | Federal Reserve | 8 meetings a year | 2:00 PM EST | USD | USD pairs, XAU/USD, US indices |
| ECB Meeting | European Central Bank | 8 meetings a year | 2:15 PM CET | EUR | EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY |
| BoC Meeting | Bank of Canada | 8 meetings a year | 9:45 AM EST | CAD | USD/CAD, CAD/JPY, EUR/CAD |
Check the release time and the consensus forecast beforehand. The market reacts to the gap between the actual figure and what was expected, not to the figure alone.
Liquidity thins out around major releases. Spreads can widen and market or stop orders may fill at a worse price than you saw on screen.
Decide your position size and stop-loss in advance, or stay out of the market until the news has passed. A lot-size or risk/reward calculator helps you set this up in seconds.
The first reaction can be erratic and reverse quickly. Many traders wait for price to stabilise after the release before looking for an entry.
Fast execution and stable spreads matter most around major releases. Compare regulated brokers side by side before you trade.
