Confirm the release time.
Check the event date and timezone, including UK daylight-saving changes. Use the original publisher when possible.
TCH / MARKET EDUCATION
CONTEXT BEFORE CONVICTION
News changes the picture.
Have a process.
A practical guide to understanding scheduled economic releases without assuming the market must react in one direction. This is not a live economic calendar or trade signal.
EDUCATIONAL RELEASE WORKFLOWBEFORE → DURING → AFTERPLAN THE CONDITIONS. OBSERVE THE RESPONSE.
Read the release.
Read the context.
Previous, forecast, actual.
The forecast is the market expectation shown by the calendar. Revisions and differences from expectations can matter.
Know the currencies involved.
For EUR/USD, US and euro-area releases and central-bank communication may be relevant. Multiple forces can act together.
Expect uncertainty.
Spreads, volatility and slippage can increase around announcements. A stronger data print does not guarantee a stronger currency.
ILLUSTRATIVE RELEASE WORKSHEET
Evente.g., US employment report
Time & timezoneConfirm before the session
Previous / forecast / actualRecord figures and any revision
Market responseObserve price, yields and broader context; avoid forcing a narrative
Before. During.
After.
Know what is scheduled.
Review the calendar, identify the instruments affected, document any open-position plan and decide in advance if the event is a stand-aside period for you.
Do not chase the first candle.
Follow your own rules; be aware that pricing and execution may change rapidly. Missing a move is not a reason to abandon the plan.
Separate data from reaction.
Record the release, revisions and what price actually did. Review whether your plan was followed instead of assuming the data alone determines direction.
Risk first: leveraged trading can cause rapid losses. A stop order may not fill at the requested price, particularly through a gap or sharp release. This playbook is educational and does not tell you when to trade.
REVIEW THE FULL PICTUREUnderstand the context.
Understand the context.
Then study the chart.
Explore the full TCH curriculum for foundations, technical analysis, risk and market context.