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Fundamental Analysis in Trading: How Economic Indicators Shape Market Decisions – Insights from Octa Broker
Basics of Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis is a method of analysing how political and macroeconomic factors can affect the future price of an asset. Traders normally evaluate geopolitical events, economic releases, and industry trends. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic statistics, including GDP, employment data, and company profits, are employed in the analysis. For example, the German economic slowdown of 2024, driven by mounting energy prices and decreasing industrial output, led to a reduced 2025 growth forecast of just 0.3%, and this affected German equities and investor sentiment.
Government policies and central bank actions have a strong impact on market sentiment. For instance, in 2025, fresh U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports fuelled stagflation concerns, leading to a rise in gold prices while weakening risk-sensitive currencies.
‘Another recent example of how policies impact markets is when, in February 2025, President Trump put a 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum starting from March 12. The policy was to protect domestic industry but created a threat of rising inflation and slowing economy’, shares Kar Yong Ang. ‘The market response was quick. By the end of February, CME Midwest Domestic hot-rolled coil steel costs has increased by more than 30% since Mr. Trump entered his office. American business activity dropped considerably, with the S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index dropping to 50.4 in February from 52.7 in January, its lowest level since 17 months ago. The fall was attributed to increasing tariffs and federal government expenditure reductions that made financial conditions tighten across industries’.
How Fundamental Analysis Differs from Technical Analysis
While technical analysis focuses on price charts and trends, fundamental analysis considers broader economic and corporate financial factors to predict an asset’s value. Blending both methods enhances decision-making. Those who rely only on technical analysis risk ignoring some external factors that may drive price increases or drops, regardless of indicator-based insights. What is more, conducting both technical and fundamental analyses allows you to identify more facts to support your trading assumption or spot emerging facts that contradict your trading hypothesis. This reduces the risk of implementing speedy, chaotic decisions.
Client-focused brokers tend to include fundamental and technical analysis capabilities in their trading platforms’ toolkits. For example, Octa broker’s proprietary platform, OctaTrader, features Space, a feed of expert-curated insights embedded into the app. Space offers relevant and timely trading ideas anchored in fundamental and technical analysis and allows traders to copy these ideas to their charts in a couple of clicks, enhancing decision-making and driving more informed, precision-based trading.
Key Economic Indicators Every Trader Should Track
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A key measure of economic strength, GDP growth typically boosts investor confidence, leading to stock market gains and increased corporate investment. Conversely, a contracting GDP signals economic distress, often triggering market sell-offs, weaker consumer spending, and potential central bank interventions to stimulate growth. In 2024, the U.S. GDP grew by 2.8%, supporting stock market confidence.
- Inflation Rates. Inflation is a key indicator which erodes purchasing power of a consumer and shapes monetary policy. Almost all central banks in the world set inflation targets, typically around 2%. Stable inflation is essential for long-term economic growth. To meet the target, central banks adjust their monetary policies. If inflation rises too quickly, the monetary policy is tightened: interest rates are raised to slow down spending and borrowing. Conversely, deflation often leads to reduced interest rates or stimulus packages.
- Interest Rates. While central bank decisions on interest rates influence economic growth and exchange rates, investors’ expectations of the future rate changes have the greatest impact on financial markets. Traders watch closely for signals because differences in rate expectations between large economies are a key driver of currency value shifts.
- Unemployment and Labour Market Data. Labour market health influences consumer spending and economic stability. Essentially, all major central banks focus on both inflation and employment. Strong labour markets are typically supportive of economic growth and can lead to monetary policy tightening if rising wage pressures raise inflation. The most watched indicator is U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), which traditionally has the biggest immediate impact on markets. A higher-than-expected NFP can harden the dollar and improve rate hike expectations, while a weak report might lead to dovish central bank warnings and low bond yields.
- Trade Balance and Current Account. A balance of trade—a country’s exports over its imports—has a direct impact on the currency value. When there is a trade surplus (exports outpacing imports), the country’s currency strengthens: foreign customers have to acquire the domestic currency to settle payments for products and services, pushing demand. A trade deficit (imports exceeding exports), on the other hand, weakens the domestic currency since more money is exported to buy foreign goods, increasing the supply of the local currency in foreign markets.
How Traders Use Economic Calendars
Economic calendars are essential resources for traders since they provide scheduled releases of important economic data, central bank statements, and geopolitical events.
Traders who follow the events can anticipate potential market fluctuation and prepare a potentially profitable trade or apply risk management. For example, set or adjust stop-loss, as well as close all the positions to hold out potential volatility. Itэs important to protect your funds, even if you strongly anticipate specific decisions on interest rate, inflation, and so on. From time to time, the market faces monetary policy surprises when a central bank takes an unexpected decision, urging market volatility: for example, ECB’s negative interest rates in 2014, Fed’s emergency rate cuts in 2020, or Bank of Canada’s rate hike pause in 2023.
Risk Management in Fundamental Analysis
Volatility is a natural сhallenge for any trader, especially during major economic events. Central bank decisions, inflation levels, and political tensions have a tendency to trigger aggressive price movements, which render risk management a core component of any strategy. Professional traders employ hedging instruments and prudent position sizing to contain potential losses in order to control these movements.
Geopolitical events are a great example of the impact of external forces on trading. The Russia-Ukraine war, for instance, disrupted energy supplies and increased oil prices, rewarding the traders who had anticipated these shortages in supply. Those who were closely monitoring geopolitical events and taking position adjustments were able to capitalise on such price fluctuations, validating the inclusion of geopolitical analysis in trading models. President elections are another event to watch. For instance, traders who followed the 2024 US elections could have prepared for market volatility by anticipating Trump’s tariffs and his more friendly stance on the crypto industry.
By tracking key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and interest rates, traders can make long-term forecasts and adjust their positions to take advantage. Coupling fundamental knowledge with technical analysis allows to make trading strategies stronger, enhancing the decision-making process. This approach also improves risk management as traders analyse more factors and can better identify potential price movements.
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Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards
Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”
Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.
The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.
Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:
| PolyU Startups | Featured Innovations | Company Representatives |
| AniMed Technology Limited | Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring | Dr LYU Weimin Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited |
| CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited | AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings | Ms Amber ZHANG Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited |
| DRESIO Limited | AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution | Mr Alexander YING CEO, DRESIO Limited |
| Eieling Technology Limited | FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device (CES 2026 Innovation Award) |
Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited |
| Entoptica Limited | Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies | Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited |
| Feelings Group Limited | AI-powered computer vision solution | Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited Ms YIP Chi-hay |
| Gembody Limited | Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system | Ms MAO Qian CEO, Gembody Limited Dr YANG Fan CTO, Gembody Limited |
| ImageVector MedTech Limited | AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration
|
Dr JIANG Tianshu
Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited |
| Immune Materials Limited | Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials | Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited Prof. KAN Chi-wai |
| Innobound Limited | Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance | Ms GAO Lan CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited |
| MedVision Limited | AI-powered medical imaging solution | Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited Dr MA Zongrui |
| Mirror Caring Limited | Knee health management solution | Prof. Stephen WANG Jia Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited |
| Nuvatech Limited | Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI | Mr DENG Yanheng Founder, Nuvatech Limited |
| On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited | Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device | Dr Rayman GONG Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited |
| ReSaTech Limited | AI solutions for product reliability | Mr Ricky LAW CEO, ReSaTech Limited |
| UbiquiTech Innovations Limited | Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces | Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Dr LIANG Zhixuan |
| Vcare Vision Technology Limited | Non-invasive myopia prevention solution | Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited |
| Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited | Smart Firefighting Robot
(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award) |
Mr WANG Meng PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited |
| XOXO Beverages Limited | Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency | Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited |
Hashtag: #PolyU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.
Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.
RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.
By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.
Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Starlight Centre
Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.
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Final Weeks to Visit UABBHK 2025 — Explore AI-Enhanced Architecture Before Exhibition Closes on 24 January
Reimagining Architecture as Civic Performance
Under the theme “TECHFORMANCE: Technology, Platform and Performance”, UABBHK 2025 explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the architectural discipline — from static design to dynamic, participatory experience. Featuring over 25 exhibits across two venues, the Biennale brings together architects, designers, artists, and researchers to examine how emerging technologies such as generative design, robotics, immersive media, and machine learning are transforming authorship, spatial storytelling, and public engagement.
Exhibits Worth Revisiting
As the Biennale draws to a close, the curatorial team invites visitors to experience some of the most thought-provoking and visually striking works.
At Oi!, “Sanctum in the AI Age: Redefining the Human-Deities Nexus in Urban Future” by Jessica Kong and Nam Wu offers a compelling exploration of AI-generated shrine designs and spirituality in hyper-dense urban contexts. Nearby, “Island Totem” by Island Works presents a poetic memorial column using water, light, and soundscape to reflect on the overlooked histories and geographies of Hong Kong’s islands.
At EKCC, “Sentient Mirror – Genius Loci” by XCEPT invites visitors to contribute personal memories and emotional data which are transformed into a dynamic “memory-scape” of Hong Kong architecture. “Stone Synergy: AI-Driven Community Housing” by Olivia Chen proposes a design platform that empowers communities to co-create sustainable housing using local materials and machine learning. In “Collaborative Ephemeral Pavilion – Design with Technology”, Prof. Tris Kee and students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University repurpose metal scaffolding into a community-built pavilion that shares local stories through interactive media. Meanwhile, “Computational BioPhilia: Culture-Nature Synthesis in Biomimicry Fabrication” by Patrick So, Bojia Xiao and Polly Heng presents a biodegradable architectural prototype that nurtures soil regeneration using AI and modular design, blending ecological restoration with digital fabrication.
Upcoming Programmes — Tech Sunday and Guided Tours
On 18 January 2026, UABBHK 2025 will host its final Tech Sunday at Oi!, featuring two sessions. The morning session, “Cultural Identity & Ritual in the AI-Enhanced Urban Realm”, includes presentations by Ashley Wong, Jessica Kong, and Vicky Lam, exploring informal shrines, afterlife economies, and AI-generated flower market futures. In the afternoon, “Craft, Algorithm, and Robotic Fabrication” brings together Kristof Crolla, Garvin Goepel, Su Chang, and others to discuss AI-enabled design and fabrication practices.
To complement the forums, free guided tours are available at both venues on 11 and 18 January. Prior registration is available at UABBHK 2025’s website.
Cross-Border Dialogue Continues in Shenzhen
Beyond the Hong Kong venues, UABBHK 2025 is also being showcased in the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-city Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Shenzhen) (UABBSZ), which has been opened on 31 December 2025, at the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Center. Themed as “City Theater”, UABBSZ positions Shenzhen as a city of performative stage where architecture, technology, and civic life intersect. In Shenzhen, a symbolic tunnel portal installation of UABBHK 2025 is set, linking Shenzhen and Hong Kong as a gesture of spatial and curatorial continuity.
Exhibition and Admission Details of Hong Kong part of UABBHK 2025
- Venues:
- Oil Street Art Space (Oi!), 12 Oil Street, North Point
- East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), 60 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon
- Exhibition Period:
Now until 24 January 2026 - Admission:
Free - Link to free guided tours registration:
https://uabb2025.hkia.org.hk/en/programme
For updated schedules, programme registration, and more information, please visit UABBHK 2025’s website: https://uabb2025.hkia.org.hk/en. For detailed exhibitor list and installation descriptions, please refer to the appendix.Hashtag: #UABBHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation
The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established and incorporated in 2014 for charitable purposes. The objects for which the Biennale Foundation is established are:
- To promote creativity and advance the understanding, appreciation and interest of architectural and design excellence
- To encourage cross-border and cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration among creative professionals from Hong Kong, other parts of the Greater China region and overseas
- To support art, design, architectural and cultural education for students and youth, the community, and policy makers
- To create a favourable environment for study, research and experimentation of design, art and architectural works in an exhibition scale
- To energise and revitalise specific sites of interests by introduction of cultural and creative events
About the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Hong Kong)’s Disclaimer:
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
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