Fundamental analysis, when referring to forex. involves studying the economy of a country to determine the effect this has on the value of its currency. Understanding the relationship between an economy and its currency value can allow a trader to determine, to a degree, the demand and a likely increase/decrease in value for a particular currency.

Economic indicators can be used to evaluate an economy

Economic reports are released by governments and independent bodies that collect and analysis economic data.

There are certain economic indicators, or reports, that forex traders can observe in order to determine the strength of an economy. These reports are released by governments and independent bodies who collect and analyse the data prior to publishing it. They are released at set times and can be released weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on the report.

Traders will generally look at the latest result of each report, as well as any changes to the results from the last published report.

Economic reports and news will affect the currency value

If an economy is determined to be strong, investors may seek investment opportunities in that country. In turn, the currency of that country may appreciate in value.

A strong economy is more likely to present opportunities for business, such as returns on real estate, the stock market or other business ventures.

If an economic report therefore shows that an economy is strong, then domestic and foreign investors – private or corporate – may seek investment opportunities in that country.

In order to invest capital into a country, an investor will need to do this in the local currency. So if it is perceived that an economy will produce great returns for investment, then the local currency will be more in demand and hence the currency value is likely to appreciate.

Exporting goods and services affects a currency value

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If an economy is strong in a particular sector, for example in manufacturing or financial services, then they are likely to export those manufactured goods or financial services abroad.

Customers that are purchasing these goods and services will have to convert their domestic currency to the local currency of the producer. The more demand there is for these goods and services, the higher the demand for the local currency and so the value of it appreciates.

Financial markets react to news

When economic reports are released, there is a certain amount of speculation on what the results may be. Forex traders buy or sell currencies in anticipation of this. For example, if the results of an economic report are expected to be negative, then traders tend to sell the currency in question ahead of the report’s release, causing the price to fall.

If an economic report is expected to be negative. then forex traders tend to sell the currency ahead of the report, causing the price to fall. This is referred to as the markets being price in.

When this happens, the markets are referred to as being ‘priced in’ – meaning that by the time the event has taken place, the price has already changed as expected.

When the data is released and is in line with the expected result, there is generally a minimum impact on the price movement. However, if the reported result is significantly different to the expected value, volatile price movement may occur as traders try to price in these new and unexpected results.

Publishing times are usually released in advance

You can use an economic calendar to keep up-to-date on various news releases. The date and times of such news releases are published in advance and so you can keep track of them. The financial markets frequently get disturbed by unexpected events. This can cause rapid price volatility and may even change the direction of a trend .

For the most important news announcements of the day, you can go to our economic calendar: