In this article, we’ll explore CPI and forex trading, looking at what traders should know about the Consumer Price Index to make informed decisions. We’ll cover what CPI is as a concept, the CPI release dates, how to interpret CPI, and what to consider when trading forex against CPI data.
What is CPI and why does it matter to forex traders?
The Consumer Price Index, better known by the acronym CPI, is an important economic indicator released on a regular basis by major economies to give a timely glimpse into current growth and inflation levels.
Inflation tracked through CPI looks specifically at purchasing power and the rise of prices of goods and services in an economy, which can be used to influence a nation’s monetary policy.
CPI is calculated by averaging price changes for each item in a predetermined basket of consumer goods, including food, energy, and also services such as medical care.
It is a useful indicator for forex traders due to its aforementioned effect on monetary policy and, in turn, interest rates, which have a direct impact on currency strength. The full utility of knowing how to interpret CPI as a forex trader will be explored below.
Read more on how interest rates impact the forex market[1].
CPI release dates
CPI release dates usually occur every month, but in some countries, such as New Zealand and Australia, quarterly. Some nations also offer yearly results, such as Germany’s index. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported the CPI monthly since 1913.
The following table shows a selection of major economies and information about their CPI releases.
|
Country/jurisdiction |
Compiling body |
Frequency of releases |
|
Australia |
Australian Bureau of Statistics |
Quarterly |
|
Canada |
Statistics Canada |
Monthly |
|
China |
