Why the Economic Calendar is your ally in crypto trading: a guide for 2025

Volatility in cryptocurrency markets does not appear out of nowhere. Behind every sharp movement, there is usually an important economic event that professional traders have already anticipated. Learning to interpret macroeconomic data is the difference between trading blindly and making informed decisions.

The Power of Economic Events in Crypto Price Movements

U.S. economic data have a domino effect on global markets, including crypto. When a report shows a stronger-than-expected GDP or a surprise in non-farm payrolls (NFP), the market reacts within minutes. The question is: do you want to be the one reacting or the one getting ahead?

Tools like those offered by macroeconomic event calendars allow you to visualize these key moments in advance. You can know exactly when the figures will be released, what is expected, and what the previous data was. This information gives you time to prepare your strategy.

How to Set Up Your Event Filter for Maximum Relevance

The first step is to access the economic calendar tool and focus on U.S. events. Go to the available filter options (usually at the top of the interface) and select the target country. Disable regions that are not relevant to your trading strategy.

But not all events carry the same weight. Economic calendars classify events by impact: low, medium, or high importance. If you are looking for clear signals that significantly move markets, focus on high-impact events. This filtering will save you time and prevent distractions from minor movements.

Key Indicators Every Trader Should Monitor

Certain reports have a history of triggering explosive moves in crypto. Non-farm payrolls (NFP) tend to cause immediate volatility. Federal Reserve monetary policy announcements indicate changes in interest rates, directly affecting risk assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. GDP reports provide context on overall economic health and determine long-term sentiment.

Each of these events will show three critical data points: the previous result, market expectations, and the actual data released. The magic happens when the actual data diverges from expectations. A better-than-expected result usually strengthens the dollar and puts short-term pressure on crypto. A worse result may lead to safe-haven searches in alternative assets.

Practical Strategy: Before, During, and After the Event

Set alerts for three-star (maximum impact) events at least 24 hours in advance. Review the expected data versus previous figures to calibrate the potential surprise size. Some traders avoid trading right at the moment of release due to extreme volatility; others take advantage of that volatility with very tight stops.

The key is to have a plan. Using an economic calendar correctly means constantly comparing what was expected with what actually happened, adjusting your position accordingly. It’s not just about monitoring events; it’s about understanding what each number means for your crypto portfolio.