Economic calendar

Forecast14.6KPrevious-68.3K

What it is

This shows how many more or fewer people in Canada had a job in the previous month. It is published by Statistics Canada as part of its Labour Force Survey.

Why it matters

Employment reflects the strength of the Canadian economy and is one of the factors the Bank of Canada considers when setting interest rates, so it is an important release for the Canadian dollar.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast job gain tends to support the Canadian dollar, as it suggests a healthy economy, while a lower-than-forecast or negative result often weighs on it. USD/CAD can be especially volatile when this is released alongside US jobs data.

Forecast6.5%Previous6.5%

What it is

The unemployment rate is the share of people in the labour force who are without a job and looking for work. It is published monthly by Statistics Canada.

Why it matters

It is a key gauge of the Canadian job market and one of the inputs the Bank of Canada looks at when considering interest rates. It is usually released together with the employment change figure.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. Unlike job-growth data, a lower-than-forecast unemployment rate tends to support the Canadian dollar because it points to a strong job market, while a higher-than-forecast rate often weighs on it. The reaction often also depends on the employment figure released at the same time.

Forecast0.3%Previous0.1%

What it is

This shows how much average hourly pay for US workers changed compared with the previous month. It is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) alongside the NFP jobs report.

Why it matters

Rising wages can push up prices, so this figure is linked to the Fed's interest rate decisions. It is usually considered a very important release.

Usual market reaction

Markets tend to react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result usually supports the US dollar (USD), while a lower one usually weighs on it. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the dollar, so a stronger dollar tends to pressure gold.

Forecast65KPrevious29K

What it is

NFP shows how many jobs the US economy added or lost in the previous month, excluding farm work. It is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Why it matters

The job market reflects the health of the US economy and influences the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decisions, so this is one of the most closely watched releases in the world.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast number tends to support the US dollar, as it points to a strong economy and may keep interest rates higher for longer; a lower-than-forecast number often weighs on the dollar. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the dollar, and both currencies and US stock indices can be very volatile around the release.

Forecast4.2%Previous4.2%

What it is

The unemployment rate is the share of the US labour force that has no job but is actively looking for one. It is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) together with the NFP report.

Why it matters

Employment is one of the Federal Reserve's two main goals alongside inflation, so this figure shapes expectations for interest rates and is closely watched.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A lower-than-forecast unemployment rate tends to support the US dollar because it signals a strong job market, while a higher-than-forecast rate often weighs on it. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the dollar, so it may find support when the dollar weakens.

What it is

Kazuo Ueda, Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ), gives a speech or public remarks about the economy and monetary policy.

Why it matters

The governor guides Japan's interest rate policy, so traders watch his words closely. It is usually seen as a high-importance event.

Usual market reaction

Traders usually listen for hints about whether the BOJ may raise interest rates or keep policy loose. If the tone is more hawkish than the market expects, the yen (JPY) often strengthens; if it is more dovish than expected, the yen tends to weaken. Prices can move sharply while he is speaking.

What it is

A general election in which New Zealand voters choose members of Parliament, which determines which party or parties form the government.

Why it matters

The result can shape budget, tax and economic policy, so it affects investor confidence in the New Zealand dollar. It tends to matter more when the result is close.

Usual market reaction

Markets usually compare the outcome with expectations from polls and news. A clear result with policies the market views favourably may support the New Zealand dollar (NZD), while an unclear result or uncertainty often leads to volatility or weakness. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand sets rates independently, so the impact usually comes from sentiment rather than direct rate changes.