• Economic Report Descriptions
• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4

Economic Report Descriptions

Economic Report Descriptions release current statistics on various segments of U.S. trade and industry activity. These reports are issued on a regular schedule throughout the month.

The financial market, or sectors within the market, will react to these indicators in varying degrees. The breadth of the moves depends upon the indicator’s importance to current economic conditions.

Traders watch reports considered important to the market, because

1. the market’s reaction to the report can stop out open trades, and
2. the market’s reaction to the news can provide new trading setups

Please note: In both cases that the market’s reaction to the news—not the news, itself—is the catalyst for subsequent volatility.

As we all know, Mother Market is one moody lady! Just because she ought to jump higher or faint to the floor at a “numbers announcement” doesn’t mean she’s going to follow through. Enter new trades after the numbers are released, not before.

Below you will find a monthly schedule of key reports. Keep in mind that the release of certain economic data in one set of economic conditions may have a big impact on the market, at that time. The same numbers, released in different conditions, could be mostly ignored.

At the conclusion, you will find a brief discussion of FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meetings and announcement dates (approximately every six weeks) for 2008. This release is one of the most important you’ll encounter, so post the dates on your calendar ahead of time.

Also remember that Options Expirations days take place the third week of every month, which usually cause choppy markets. “Quadruple Witching” days occur in the third week of every quarter. During these weeks, options, stock index options, futures options and single-stock futures options expire, and market players in these instruments rollover or close positions. Again, this creates choppy, unpredictable conditions that can be less-than-friendly to short-term traders and their accounts!

If you'd like to learn more about how the market works and how you can find new opportunities, click here.

Note: All times are noted Eastern Time. These times are subject to change. Please check current listings for exact announcement times.

View Week 1