Chapter 7
Getting Down and Dirty with Fundamental Data
In This Chapter
Building a model to put the data in perspective
Getting to know data-reporting conventions
Understanding the key U.S. data reports
Looking at major international economic reports
Fundamental economic data reports are among the most significant information inputs because policy makers and market participants alike use them to gauge the state of the economy, set monetary policy, and make investment decisions. From a trader’s perspective, data reports are the routine catalysts that stir up markets and get things moving.
I run through a lot of economic information in this chapter, but you don’t need to understand it like an economist — you’re mainly interested in what it means for the market reaction. (If you are interested in understanding data like an economist, I recommend reading The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities, 2nd Edition, by Bernard Baumohl.)
