The Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) report is typically released on the first Friday of each month at 8:30 AM ET and is one of the highest-impact economic events for CFD traders. It often causes significant volatility across indices, gold, silver, crude oil, currencies, and bond-related markets.
Market Focus
- US30 (Dow Jones)
- US500 (S&P 500)
- NAS100 (Nasdaq 100)
- XAUUSD (Gold)
- XAGUSD (Silver)
- WTI Crude Oil
- EURUSD
- USDJPY
Pre-Release Preparation (30–60 Minutes Before)
1. Identify Key Technical Levels
Mark:
- Previous day's High and Low
- Asian session High and Low
- London session High and Low
- Major support and resistance
- Overnight range
These levels often become breakout or reversal points after the announcement.
2. Know Market Expectations
The market reacts more to the difference between the actual number and expectations than to the headline itself.
Watch:
- NFP Employment Change
- Unemployment Rate
- Average Hourly Earnings (important for inflation)
Trading Strategy
Scenario 1: Stronger Than Expected NFP (USD Bullish)
Market Expectations
Higher employment + rising wages generally means:
- Stronger USD
- Higher Treasury yields
- Lower Gold
- Pressure on equities if markets fear more Fed tightening
Potential CFD Trades
Asset
Bias
XAUUSD
Sell
XAGUSD
Sell
EURUSD
Sell
USDJPY
Buy
NAS100
Sell (initial reaction)
US500
Sell (initial reaction)
US30
Slightly Bearish