Where market-moving news comes from: filings, earnings and the economic calendar
A headline about a stock or the economy almost always traces back to a primary source: a company filing, an earnings release, or a government statistical report. Knowing where these come from, and when they are published, helps you read the news with more context.
Company filings on EDGAR
US public companies file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and anyone can read them for free on the SEC’s EDGAR system. The three you will see most often:
- Form 10-K: the annual report, with audited financial statements and a description of the business and its risks.
- Form 10-Q: the quarterly report, with unaudited financial statements.
- Form 8-K: a “current report” about major events, such as a merger, a change in leadership or a bankruptcy. It is generally due within four business days of the event.
Earnings releases and calls
Each quarter, companies publish an earnings release, often outside regular trading hours, and many host a conference call with analysts. The release usually includes revenue, earnings per share and, for some companies, guidance for future periods. Headlines often compare results with analysts’ consensus estimates; those estimates come from third parties, not from the company.
Fair disclosure
The SEC’s Regulation FD requires that when a company shares material non-public information with certain market professionals or shareholders, it must make that information public as well. This is one reason important news tends to arrive through press releases, filings and public webcasts.
The US economic calendar
Government agencies publish key economic data on a schedule announced in advance. Some of the releases markets watch most closely:
| Release | Published by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Situation (jobs report) | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Monthly, usually on a Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET |
| Consumer Price Index (CPI) | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Monthly, 8:30 a.m. ET |
| Initial jobless claims | Department of Labor | Weekly, usually Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | Bureau of Economic Analysis | Quarterly, with later revisions |
| FOMC interest-rate decision | Federal Reserve | Eight scheduled meetings a year |
Dates can change, for example because of holidays or a government shutdown, so always check the agency’s official release calendar.
Reading the news critically
When a headline says a stock “jumped on earnings” or “fell after the jobs report”, it is offering one explanation for a price move. Markets react to many things at once. Going back to the primary document, the filing or the data release itself, is the best way to see what was actually announced.
Key points
- Company filings are free to read on SEC EDGAR.
- Form 8-K reports major events, generally within four business days.
- Economic data follows official calendars published by each agency.
This article is general information, not investment advice. It does not consider your personal situation. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.
