Forex Factory is one of the most popular economic calendars used by retail traders.
It’s simple. It’s accessible. And it’s widely discussed in trading communities.
But when it comes to actual news trading execution, there is a serious limitation many traders overlook.
The Core Problem: Retail Data Delay
In high-impact news trading, seconds matter.
While official economic data is released to the market at a specific time, retail traders using basic economic calendars often receive the visible update with a delay.
The delay can be around 15 seconds.
In normal market conditions, 15 seconds is nothing.
During high-impact news releases, 15 seconds is everything.
What Happens in Those 15 Seconds?
When major data like CPI, NFP, or central bank decisions drop, markets can move aggressively within the first few seconds.
In that short window:
- Liquidity shifts
- Stops get triggered
- Algorithms react instantly
- Initial direction becomes clear
If you see the number 15 seconds late, price may have already moved significantly.
By the time you try to enter, you are no longer trading the reaction.
You are chasing it.
Why This Creates a Structural Disadvantage
Retail traders using delayed calendars believe they are reacting to fresh data.
But in reality, the market has already reacted.
This leads to a common frustration:
- You see the release.
- You enter based on the number.
- You get filled at worse prices.
- Price retraces.
- You get stopped out.
Then you conclude that news trading is gambling.
But often, the issue was timing — not direction.
Basic Calendars vs Professional Terminals
Basic economic calendars are excellent for knowing when a release is scheduled.
They are not designed for split-second execution trading.
Some free alternatives may reduce delay but still have small lags.
Professional traders who specialize in news often invest in high-quality terminals built to minimize delay and provide near-instant data updates.
That speed difference can determine whether you catch the move — or chase it.
The Bigger Lesson
This does not mean Forex Factory is useless.
It is useful for planning.
But planning and execution are two different things.
If you are trading high-impact releases, understand that even a short delay can put you at a disadvantage.
And in volatile markets, disadvantage compounds quickly.
Final Thought
If you constantly feel like you are entering late during news events, it may not be your strategy.
It may be your data speed.
In news trading, information timing is part of the edge.
Source
This article is based on insights discussed in the following YouTube video:
Analysis and commentary by FundedTruth.