MDS / CONSENSUS
Actual, forecast and revision
What it measures
Actual is the published value. Forecast or consensus is the expectation of surveyed analysts. Previous is the preceding value, and Revised its revision. Forecasts can differ across providers.
Why traders follow it
Compare the same country, period and release vintage. Illustrative example: 3.2% actual versus 3.3% forecast is below expectations even if the preceding reading was 2.8%. Growth versus the past and surprise versus the forecast are different.
Check the country, period and source. A single value or regime label does not determine a trade's direction.