Flatten before high-impact prints
NFP, CPI, PCE, FOMC — flat 5 min before, don't touch the next candle.
Calendar of economic events
The recurring macro and market-structure events that move commodities and index options. This is a study reference — not a live feed of upcoming dates. Learn the pattern, respect the release time, and don't get caught in a scalp when tape is about to jump.
7 rules for trading around these
The events list below is a reference. These are the rules I actually follow so I don't get caught on the wrong side of a print.
Watch the spreads
Options spreads widen 30–90s pre-release. Wide is wide for a reason.
Wait for candle two
First 5m after a release is a knife fight. Second candle tells the real direction.
Trade the reaction
Beat or miss doesn't matter. The tape's reaction is the trade.
OpEx Fridays pin
Monthly OpEx (3rd Fri) pins to gamma levels. Trend trades die into the close.
Fed-speak days = chop days
Any voting member speaking premarket usually means slow, headline-driven tape. Downsize.
Know your overnight risk
OPEC · BOJ · China PMI drop while you sleep. If you're holding, know the calendar.
None of this is advice — trade your own plan. Times below are US Eastern unless noted.
The events
Impact key High — sit out or size down Medium — spread widens, be careful Low — usually shrugged off