Introduction

What is fundamental analysis?

Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating the markets that use multiple data sources to find an asset’s fair value. Unlike technical analysis, which looks purely at price action, it builds up a holistic picture of a security’s strengths and weaknesses.

You'll often hear fundamental analysis mentioned as a method of finding stocks to buy. But in truth, it is used by traders in multiple different asset classes.

In forex, for example, a fundamental trader would examine any data that is likely to have a significant bearing on the price of a currency pair, such as economic data, political factors or even the impact of natural disasters.

Fundamental traders don't just look at data randomly, though. They try to assess a market's fair value to see whether it is currently underpriced or overpriced.

Fundamental analysis and fair value

Fundamental analysis is based on the idea that each asset has a fair value – and that while the markets may temporarily overprice or underprice an asset, eventually its price should normalise to that fair value.

Say you analyze a company and decide that it is worth more than its current share price. You can buy its stock, then sell it once its price ‘catches up to the value you have attributed to it.

You could consider countless factors in deciding your fair value for a currency. You might look at economic releases, central bank actions, retail consumption, and more.

Drawbacks of fundamental analysis

Fundamental analysis provides a great way of familiarising yourself with your chosen asset classes and sectors – and can help you find profitable opportunities. But there are two main issues you should be aware of.

The first is that there is no guarantee that your chosen market will gravitate towards its fair value, even if you research it thoroughly. For one thing, an entirely unpredictable event – such as a natural disaster, or scandal – could wreak havoc on both your asset's price and your estimate of fair value.

Or, the market may remain irrational in its pricing for longer than you can keep your position open.

The second is the vast amount of data at play across the global markets. With so much to consider, how do you decide what is worthwhile and what isn't?

One method of overcoming this issue is to take a top-down approach. Start by looking at the overall economy, before deciding which markets may be overvalued or undervalued. Then, take a look at the specific factors surrounding a handful of assets so you can take your position.

Important factors in fundamental analysis

As we've seen, the sources available to a fundamental trader are vast and varied. However, there are a few that are more important than others:

Central bank announcements

Central banks can be a cause of significant volatility across most asset classes. Their most important action is to raise or lower interest rates, which can have a big impact on currencies, stocks, indices, and more.

However, fundamental analysts will also watch for new monetary policies (hints that a central bank's stance may change shortly), asset purchases, currency revaluations, personnel changes, and so on.

Economic data

Almost every asset is affected by its wider economy, so fundamental traders will look for signs that an economy is growing or shrinking.

The key indicator of economic growth is gross domestic product (GDP), which calculates the sum of goods and services produced within an economy. However, employment and production reports are also important.

Inflation

Another key economic factor is inflation. Inflation occurs when the purchasing power of a given currency decreases, and central banks usually have the job of keeping it in check (while avoiding deflation).

Inflation doesn't just affect forex; bonds, commodities, stocks, and indices usually experience volatility.

Politics

Political change within a country can play out across financial markets. A new president, for example, might make life harder for businesses or invest heavily in new infrastructure.

Geopolitics, too, can be important. For instance, increased conflict in the Middle East can put a strain on the world's oil supply, driving up its price. As a result, businesses that rely heavily on oil may see their profits weaken.

Natural disasters and seasonality

These two factors may seem unrelated to the markets, but will often drive volatility across multiple assets.

Natural disasters can bring headwinds for businesses and economies, as well as affect the supply chains of various commodities. Seasonal weather issues can do the same.