Fundamental analysis looks at economic and policy information that can move markets: scheduled data, central bank decisions and official statements. The raw material is mostly published free by official bodies. This page describes the kinds of source, how to judge a calendar or data tool, and how to keep fundamentals from turning into guesswork. It names no product and makes no claim about current conditions.
Fundamental Source Checklist
A ticked box is your own answer, not verification, and the count is not a score or a safety rating. Nothing is saved or sent from this page.
Economic Calendars
A calendar lists scheduled releases with a time, the country or currency affected and often a previous value and a forecast. Forecasts are usually compiled by a third party, not by the publisher, so treat them as one view. Check that times are shown in your time zone and that the calendar links to the original release. Our economic indicators explained page covers the common releases. You can convert release times with the news calendar tool.
Central Bank Material
Central banks publish decisions, statements, meeting minutes and speeches on their own websites. These are primary sources. Read the wording, not just a summary, and note when a statement is scheduled. See central bank announcements and their impact for how markets can react, and why the reaction cannot be predicted.
Official Data Sources
Statistical offices, treasury departments and international bodies publish data series that you can download for free. A data tool is useful if it shows the source and date of every figure. Be wary of tools that show a single number with no origin.
Keeping It Practical
Fundamentals often matter most around the moment of a release, when prices can move quickly in either direction. Many traders choose to stay out of such moments; others use specific rules. Either way, write the rule down. See news trading strategy and strategy for news releases.
Limits
Knowing the schedule does not tell you the outcome. Prices can move sharply on a release and in either direction, and forecasts can be wrong. This page is general education, not advice, and it names no data vendor or tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fundamental analysis to trade binary options?
No. Some traders use only price. Those who do use fundamentals should understand the releases that affect their assets.
Where are central bank statements published?
On the central bank's own website. Search for the bank's name and go to its official domain.
Is a calendar forecast reliable?
It is one estimate and can be far from the result. Do not treat it as a prediction.
Can I trade the release moment?
Some traders do, but moves can be fast and execution can be affected. Test on a demo account first.