How to Read Forex Factory: Actual, Forecast and Previous Explained
A concise guide to using economic calendars responsibly for US, Canadian and European market events.
An economic calendar helps traders understand when important information may arrive. On Forex Factory, each event can display a release time, currency, an impact estimate and numerical columns labelled Actual, Forecast and Previous. Times may be shown in a user-selected zone, so checking the setting is essential.
The forecast reflects an expectation before the publication. The actual figure is the reported outcome. The previous figure refers to the prior period and may later be revised. Markets typically respond to the surprise relative to expectations, not simply to a number being positive or negative.
A release can generate sharp price movement and wider spreads, and calendars can update after the first publication. Use primary statistical agencies for consequential decisions, and treat economic calendars as planning tools rather than automatic buy/sell instructions.
Reporting sources & references
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