Economic calendar · All
Retail sales: what it is and how to trade it
The change in total value of retail sales, a direct read on consumer spending.
What it measures
The change in total value of retail sales, a direct read on consumer spending.
How traders handle it
Watch the control group or ex-autos figure; it feeds directly into GDP estimates.
Price reacts to the surprise: the actual number minus the forecast. A great number that everyone expected can move nothing at all.
Reading it on the calendar
Each event shows an impact level, the previous figure, the forecast and, once released, the actual. Compare actual with forecast, and watch for revisions to the previous figure.
Frequently asked questions
When is Retail sales released?
Monthly.
Which pairs move most on Retail sales?
USD, GBP, AUD, CAD pairs.
How should beginners trade it?
Most beginners should be flat or protected before the release, then wait 15–30 minutes and trade a clean break of the release candle's range. Read Trading the News.
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