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Economic news releases (CPI, jobs, Fed)

In one line: Scheduled economic numbers that can move markets in seconds.
Watch: Wait for the Dust: How to Handle Big News Days · open on YouTube · 1-minute Short

CPI (US consumer prices) measures price changes for a basket of goodsThe fixed shopping list used to measure inflation. and services, according to the BLS. 'Core' leaves out food and energy. It is released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, before the US stock market opens, so futures react first (CMEThe big Chicago futures exchange (also lists bitcoin futures). Group).

Jobs report (nonfarm payrolls and unemployment) usually comes out monthly on the first Friday (FINRA). FOMC: the Federal ReserveAmerica's central bank, which sets interest rates. holds 8 scheduled meetings a year (Federal Reserve). The Fed targets 2% inflation measured by the PCE index.

What the research says: Andersen, Bollerslev, Diebold and Vega (2003) looked at the surprise in a release: the actual number minus the expected one. The surprise caused quick price jumps in dollar exchange rates. Bad news moved prices more than good news.

Release times can change. Check the official calendars instead of assuming '8:30 always'.

Related

Sources & studies

  1. BLS: Consumer Price Index – questions and answers
  2. Federal Reserve: FOMC meeting calendars
  3. FINRA: Key economic indicators every investor should know
  4. Andersen, Bollerslev, Diebold & Vega (2003), American Economic Review

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Last checked: 2026-11-04 · Educational, not financial advice.

Education only, not financial advice. No signals. Backtests are hypothetical: real trading can be worse. Past results don't predict future results.