Policy weeks compress a month of narrative into two days. Survive first; opine later.
The calendar shape
Blackout periods, the decision, the press conference, and next-day speeches each carry different volatility profiles. Mark them. Trading “FOMC week” as one blob is how size creeps.
Decision vs. dots vs. presser
The rate decision can be priced; the statement language and Q&A can reprice the path. If you only trade the binary hike/cut, you may miss where the real move starts.
Positioning into the event
Many traders reduce discretionary overnight risk into the announcement. Others express a view with defined risk options-style thinking even when using CFDs — hard stops and smaller size. Pick a camp deliberately.
Day-after discipline
Post-FOMC trends can persist or fake out into Friday. Reassess correlation and size; do not assume the press conference direction is a week-long mandate.