Forex is a real global marketplace, with buyers and sellers from all corners of the globe participating in trillions of dollars of trades each day. The fact that foreign exchange trading has become such a global activity means that macroeconomic events everywhere play a greater role in forex than ever before. Traders don’t have to stick to popular currencies anymore, but they are a good place to start. Below, we’ll discuss some economic trends and events that will help those who are new to the market to become successful forex traders.

The Role of Macroeconomics in Forex

The forex market is primarily driven by overarching macroeconomic factors. These factors influence a trader’s decisions and ultimately determine the value of a currency at any given point in time. The economic health of a nation’s economy is a primary factor in the exchange rate of its currency. Overall economic health can change quickly based on current events and new information. However, most of the best forex traders are highly disciplined and stick to a set of trading rules. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that influence an economy’s standing and drive changes in the value of its currency.

The global capital markets are perhaps the most visible indicators of an economy’s health. It is easy to notice the release of public information in capital markets. There is a steady flow of media coverage and up-to-the-second information on the dealings of corporations, institutions, and government entities. A rally or sell-off of securities originating from one country or another should be a clear signal that the future outlook for that economy has changed.

Another critical factor is the balance of trade between nations. The trade balance serves as a proxy for the relative demand for goods from a country. A nation with products or services that are in high demand internationally will typically see an appreciation of its currency. For example, buyers must convert their money into Australian dollars if they want to purchase goods from Australia. The increased demand for the Australian dollar will put upward pressure on its value.

The political landscape plays a vital role in the overall outlook for a country and, consequently, the perceived value of its currency. Forex traders are constantly monitoring political news and events to anticipate changes in the economic policies of national governments. These can include shifts in government spending and adjustments in regulations imposed on particular sectors or industries. Changes in rules regarding margin or leverage available to traders often have a dramatic impact on markets.

Elections with uncertain outcomes are always significant events for currency markets. Exchange rates often react favorably to wins by pro-growth or fiscally responsible parties. A referendum can also have a substantial impact on exchange rates. A good example is the Brexit vote, which had a dramatic effect on the British pound when the U.K. voted to leave the EU.

The fiscal and monetary policies of any government are the most critical factors in its economic decision making. Central bank decisions that impact interest rates are keenly watched by the forex market for any changes in key rates or the future outlook of policymakers.

Economic Statistics and Forex

Economic reports are the backbone of a forex trader’s playbook. Maintaining an economic report calendar is crucial to staying current in this fast-paced marketplace. Gross domestic product (GDP) may be the most visible economic statistic, as it is the baseline of a country’s economic performance and strength. GDP measures the total output of goods and services produced within an economy. However, it is crucial to remember that GDP is a lagging indicator. That means it reports on events and trends that have already occurred.

Inflation is also a significant indicator, as it sends a signal of increasing price levels and falling purchasing power. However, inflation is a double-edged sword. Many view it as placing downward pressure on a currency due to retreating purchasing power. Inflation can also lead to currency appreciation, as it may force central bankers to increase rates to curb rising inflation levels. Inflation is a hotly-contested issue among economists, and its effects on currencies are rarely straightforward.

Employment levels, retail sales, manufacturing indexes, and capacity utilization also carry important information on the current and predicted strength of an economy and its currency. They can provide confirmation for the primary factors we’ve outlined above.

The Bottom Line

The forex market is ultimately driven by economic factors that impact the value and strength of a nation’s currency. The economic outlook for a country has the most influence on the value of its currency. Knowing the factors and indicators to watch will help you keep pace in the competitive and fast-moving world of forex.