FX.co ★ Traders economic calendar. International economic events

Reserve Balances with Federal Reserve Banks is the amount of money that depository institutions maintain in their accounts at their regional Federal Reserve Banks.

Gfk Consumer Confidence measures the level of consumer confidence in economic activity. A reading above zero indicates optimism; below indicates pessimism.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the GBP, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the GBP.

A statistical measurement and economic indicator of the overall health of the economy as determined by consumer opinion. Consumer sentiment takes into accountan individual's feelings toward his or her own current financial health, the health of the economy in the short term and the prospects for longer term economic growth.

Consumer price index only in Tokyo excluding fresh food and energy prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is divided into two categories: Nationwide and Tokyo. The Tokyo figures are usually released before the national ones. A higher than expected result would be positive news for the yen, whilst a lower than expected result would be negative news for the yen.

The Tokyo Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services purchased by consumers in Tokyo, excluding fresh food.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the JPY, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the JPY.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in the price of goods and services from the perspective of the consumer at the metropolitan area of Tokyo. It is a key way to measure changes in purchasing trends.

The impact on the currency may go both ways, a rise in CPI may lead to a rise in interest rates and a rise in local currency, on the other hand, during recession, a rise in CPI may lead to a deepened recession and therefore a fall in local currency.

Consumer price index only in Tokyo excluding fresh food and energy prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is divided into two categories: Nationwide and Tokyo. The Tokyo figures are usually released before the national ones. A higher than expected result would be positive news for the yen, whilst a lower than expected result would be negative news for the yen.

Construction industry provides information on construction output and activity. Such information gives an insight into the supply on the housing and construction market. Rising number of new construction starts or value of construction completed reflects higher consumer and business optimism. Expanding construction indicates growth in the housing market and predicts an increase in the overall economy. However, an excessive supply of new buildings may result in a drop in housing prices. The construction industry is one of the first to go into a recession when the economy declines but also to recover as conditions improve.To compute the price indices, transactions are first grouped by property type and locality. The grouping is selected on the basis of frequent transactions and similar prices ($ per sq m). The median price in each group is used to compute a sub-index. The price index of a particular property type is the weighted average of all the sub-indices of that property type in the various planning areas.

The export prices number tracks price changes of goods. The figure is used to determine whether a change in the headline Export figure is representative of an increase of goods sold to foreign nations or just an increase in the price of export goods. The headline figure is the percentage change in the index from either the previous month or year. A higher than expected number should be taken as positive to the AUD, while a lower than expected number as negative.

The Import Price Index measures the change in the price of imported goods and services purchased domestically.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the change in the price of goods sold by manufacturers. It is a leading indicator of consumer price inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the change in the price of goods sold by manufacturers. It is a leading indicator of consumer price inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the AUD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the AUD.

Bank of Japan Outlook Report provides insight into the BoJ’s view of economic conditions and inflation - key factors which shape the future of monetary policy.

Bank of Japan Monetary Policy Statement contains the outcome of the BoJ’s decision on asset purchases and commentary about the economic conditions that influenced their decision.

Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy board members come to a consensus on where to set the rate. Traders watch interest rate changes closely as short term interest rates are the primary factor in currency valuation.

A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the JPY, while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the JPY.

Exports of goods and services consist of transactions in goods and services (sales, barter, gifts or grants) from residents to non-residents. A function of international trade whereby goods produced in one country are shipped to another country for future sale or trade. The sale of such goods addsto the producing nation's gross output. If used for trade, exports are exchangedfor other products or services. Exports are one of the oldest forms of economic transfer, and occur on a large scale between nations that have fewer restrictions on trade, such as tariffs or subsidies.

Imports of goods and services consist of transactions in goods and services (purchases, barter, gifts or grants) from non-residents to residents. A good or service brought into one country from another. Along with exports, imports form the backbone of international trade. The higher the value of imports entering a country, compared to the value of exports, the more negative that country's balance of trade becomes.

Trade balance is the net difference between exports and imports collected from the import/export entry forms of the Customs Department, which reveal both volume and value of imports and exports. In order for the trade balance to be consistent with the definition of balance of payments, statistical modifications have been made to exclude some customs items for the transactions carried out among the residents. Such items include: goods granted embassy privilege; goods with no change of ownership, e.g., goods sent for repair, temporary imported goods, sample goods, leased goods. Adjustments are as well made to include goods actually imported and exported but did not undergo customs declaration such as military goods, electrical appliances and commercial aircrafts.

Industrial Production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SGD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SGD.

Industrial Production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SGD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SGD.

M3 Money Supply measures the change in the total quantity of domestic currency in circulation and deposited in banks. An increasing supply of money leads to additional spending, which in turn leads to inflation.

M3 Money Supply measures the change in the total quantity of domestic currency in circulation and deposited in banks. An increasing supply of money leads to additional spending, which in turn leads to inflation.

Housing loans include loans to households with collateral in the form of single-family dwellings, condominiums and tenant-owned apartments. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SEK , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SEK.

Trade balance is the difference between the value of country's exports and imports, over a period of time. A positive balance (trade surplus) means that exports exceed imports, a negative one means the opposite. Positive trade balance illustrates high competitiveness of country's economy. This strengthens investor's interest in the local currency, appreciating its exchange rateA higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the SEK , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the SEK.

M3 Money Supply measures the change in the total quantity of domestic currency in circulation and deposited in banks. An increasing supply of money leads to additional spending, which in turn leads to inflation.

Retail sales data represents total consumer purchase from retail stores. It provides valuable information about consumer spending which makes up the consumption part of GDP. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the NOK , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the NOK.

Retail sales data represents total consumer purchase from retail stores. It provides valuable information about consumer spending which makes up the consumption part of GDP. The most volatile components like autos, gas prices and food prices are often removed from the report to show more underlying demand patterns as changes in sales in these categories are frequently a result of price changes. Rising retail sales indicate stronger economic growth.

Retail sales data represents total consumer purchase from retail stores. It provides valuable information about consumer spending which makes up the consumption part of GDP. The most volatile components like autos, gas prices and food prices are often removed from the report to show more underlying demand patterns as changes in sales in these categories are frequently a result of price changes. Rising retail sales indicate stronger economic growth.

The unemployment rate represents the number of unemployed persons expressed as a percentage of the labour force. The unemployment rate for a particular age/sex group is the number of unemployed in that group expressed as a percentage of the labour force for that group. A higher than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the HUF, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the HUF.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) press conference looks at the factors that affected the most recent interest rate decision, the overall economic outlook, inflation and offers insights into future monetary policy decisions.

French Consumer Confidence measures the level of consumer confidence in economic activity. It is a leading indicator as it can predict consumer spending, which plays a major role in overall economic activity. Higher readings point to higher consumer optimism.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.

Retail Sales measure the change in the total value of inflation-adjusted sales at the retail level. It is the foremost indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.

The Unemployment Rate measures the percentage of the total work force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR.

Net Forward Position= Bank of Thailand s forward obligations to buy (+) or sell;(-) foreign currency against Thai Baht A swap that involves the exchange of principal and interest in one currency for the same in another currency. It is considered to be a foreign exchange transaction and is not required by law to be shown on a company's balance sheet.

Total of a country's gold holdings and convertible foreign currencies held in its central bank. Usually includes foreign currencies themselves, other assets denominated in foreign currencies, and particular amount of special drawing rights (SDRs). A foreign exchange reserve is a useful precaution for countries exposed to financial crises. It can be used for the purpose of intervening in the exchange market to influence or peg the exchange rate. International reserves = Gold Foreign exchange Special Drawing Rights Reserve position in the IMF.

The PMI Report on Manufacturing is a monthly publication, researched and published by Markit. It is based on a survey of business executives in the reporting country's private sector manufacturing companies and is designed to provide the most up-to-date picture of business conditions in the private manufacturing sector.The survey covers industrial sectors based on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) groups; Chemicals, Electrical, Food/Drink, Mechanical Engineering, Metals, Textiles, Timber/Paper, Transport, Other. Each response received is weighted according to the size of the company to which the questionnaire refers and the contribution to total manufacturing output accounted for by the sub-sector to which that company belongs. This therefore ensures that replies from larger companies have a greater impact on the final index numbers than replies from small companies.

M3 Money Supply measures the change in the total quantity of domestic currency in circulation and deposited in banks. An increasing supply of money leads to additional spending, which in turn leads to inflation.

Private Loans measures the change in the total value of new loans issued to non financial corporations. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.

Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman (May 2007 - January 2012) Thomas Jordan is to speak. In January 2010 his title changed from Board Member to Vice Chairman. As a member of the SNB's Governing Board, which sets short term interest rates, he has a major influence over the value of the Swiss franc. Traders watch his speeches closely as they are often used to drop subtle hints regarding future monetary policy and interest rate shifts.

His comments may determine a short-term positive or negative trend.

Private Loans measures the change in the total value of new loans issued to consumers and businesses in the private sector.

A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the EUR,while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the EUR.

Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the European Central Bank, is set to speak. His speeches often contain indications on the future possible direction of monetary policy.

The Vietnamese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) event, measured in US dollars, represents the inflow of investment from foreign entities into the Vietnamese economy. FDI is an essential factor for the development of infrastructure, technology, and overall economic growth in Vietnam.

A higher FDI amount in the economic calendar symbolizes a positive outlook on the nation's economic prospects and business environment, indicating growing confidence from foreign investors. An increase in FDI often leads to job creation and economic expansion in Vietnam.

On the other hand, a decrease in FDI can be a sign of concern for the country's economic health, as it may be indicative of reduced foreign investor confidence and potential stagnation in the country's development. As a result, tracking changes in Vietnam's FDI is crucial for investors and policymakers to gauge the overall economic performance and investment climate of the nation.

Monetary policy refers to the actions undertaken by a country's monetary authority, central bank or government to achieve certain national economic goals. It is based on the relationship between interest rates at which money can be borrowed and total supply of money. Policy rates are the most important rates within a country's monetary policy. These can be: deposit rates, lombard rates, rediscount rates, reference rates etc. Changing them influences economic growth, inflation, exchange rates and unemployment.

The Bank Rossii decision on short term interest rate. The decision on where to set interest rates depends mostly on growth outlook and inflation. The primary objective of the central bank is to achieve price stability. High interest rates attract foreigners looking for the best "risk-free" return on their money, which can dramatically increases demand for the nation's currency.

A higher than expected rate is positive/bullish for the RUB, while a lower than expected rate is negative/bearish for the RUB.

Bank Lending measures the change in the total value of outstanding bank loans issued to consumers and businesses. Borrowing and spending are closely correlated with consumer confidence. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the BRL , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the BRL.

FX Reserves measures the foreign assets held or controlled by the country's central bank. The reserves are made of gold or a specific currency. They can also be special drawing rights and marketable securities denominated in foreign currencies like treasury bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and equities and foreign currency loans.

International reserves are used to settle balance of payments deficits between countries. International reserves are made up of foreign currency assets, gold, holdings of SDRs and reserve position in the IMF. Usually includes foreign currencies themselves, other assets denominated in foreign currencies, and particular amount of special drawing rights (SDRs). A foreign exchange reserve is a useful precaution for countries exposed to financial crises. It can be used for the purpose of intervening in the exchange market to influence or peg the exchange rate. A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the INR , while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the INR.