Economic indicators occur in a steady stream, at certain times, and a little more often than changes in interest rates, governments, or natural activity such as earthquakes etc. Economic data is generally (except of the Gross Domestic Product and the Employment Cost Index, which are released quarterly) released on a monthly basis.

All economic indicators are released in pairs. The first number reflects the latest period. The second number is the revised figure for the month prior to the latest period. For instance, in July, economic data is released for the month of June, the latest period. In addition, the release includes the revision of the same economic indicator figure for the month of May. The reason for the revision is that the department in charge of the economic statistics compilation is in a better position to gather more information in a month’s
time. This feature is important for traders. If the figure for an economic indicator is better than expected by 0.4 percent for the past month, but the previous month’s number is revised lower by 0.4 percent, then traders are likely to ignore the overall release of that specific economic data.

Economic indicators are released at different times. In the United States, economic data is generally released at 8:30 and 10 am ET. It is important to remember that the most significant data for foreign exchange is
released at 8:30 am ET. In order to allow time for last-minute adjustments, the United States currency futures markets open at 8:20 am ET.