The Hidden Profit Formula: How NFP Non-Farm Payrolls and Take Profit Orders Can Make or Break Your Trades
The Trading Secret No One Talks About (Until Now)
Imagine you’re at a casino, except instead of roulette, the game is Forex trading. And just like a blackjack dealer with a knowing smirk, the market has a way of tricking traders into making impulsive moves—especially on NFP (Non-Farm Payrolls) day. If you’ve ever found yourself hitting the ‘buy’ button at the wrong time, only to watch your trade nosedive faster than a rejected credit card at checkout, you’re not alone.
But here’s where things get interesting: What if I told you that most traders misuse Take Profit orders during NFP events? It’s not just about setting a TP level; it’s about knowing how market volatility can impact your profits. Let’s dive into this hidden gem that could transform your trading game forever.
What Is NFP Non-Farm Payrolls and Why Should You Care?
For those who slept through their economics class, Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) is the U.S. jobs report released on the first Friday of every month. It’s like the financial world’s Super Bowl—except instead of touchdowns, we get market volatility so wild it could make a rollercoaster look like a kiddie ride.
Why does NFP matter? Because it affects USD currency pairs big time. In fact, NFP reports can move the Forex market by hundreds of pips in minutes. If you’re unprepared, it’s like showing up to a snowstorm in flip-flops.
How NFP Affects Market Movements:
✅ Whipsaws: Price spikes in both directions before settling down.
✅ Liquidity Drops: Major banks may widen spreads or limit orders.
✅ Fake Breakouts: The market can lure traders into false moves before reversing.
Now, let’s get to the good part: how to capitalize on these movements like a pro.
Why Most Traders Get Take Profit Orders Wrong During NFP
Setting a Take Profit (TP) order isn’t just about picking a random level and hoping for the best. The market doesn’t care about your feelings—it operates on liquidity zones and institutional order flows.
Here’s what most traders do wrong:
❌ Setting TP Too Close: They aim for small, easy gains, but get stopped out before reaching them because of extreme volatility.
❌ Ignoring Price Reversals: They assume once price moves in their favor, it will continue, only to watch it slam against an institutional resistance zone and reverse.
❌ Not Using Partial TP Strategies: They either cash out too soon or hold on too long, missing out on potential gains.
The Ultimate Take Profit Strategy for NFP Days
Here’s how to set smart Take Profit orders that won’t get you burned:
1. Use ATR (Average True Range) for Smarter TP Levels
Instead of randomly placing TP orders, use the ATR indicator. If the ATR for your currency pair is 80 pips, then aiming for a TP of 150 pips during NFP is a recipe for disappointment.
✅ Pro Tip: Set TP between 70%–80% of the ATR for higher probability targets.
2. Split Your Take Profit Orders
Instead of closing all your position at once, use scaled exits:
- TP1: Secure 50% profit at the first liquidity zone.
- TP2: Let the remaining ride but move stop-loss to breakeven.
- TP3: If market momentum continues, hold for maximum gains.
This way, you lock in profits while still capitalizing on momentum.
3. Watch for Institutional Liquidity Levels
Banks and institutions don’t place trades like retail traders. They use liquidity pools, meaning price often reverses at key levels where there’s an accumulation of orders.
✅ Pro Tip: Use tools like Order Flow Indicators or Volume Profile to identify hidden liquidity zones.
NFP Trading Ninja Tactics: How to Profit Like a Pro
Here’s a step-by-step guide to executing the perfect trade on NFP day:
Step 1: Wait for the Initial Whipsaw
Don’t be the rookie who jumps in right at the news release. The first 5-10 minutes are pure chaos. Let the dust settle before taking action.
Step 2: Identify Trend Direction
Once the first wave of volatility passes, check which way the market is trending. Are institutions pushing price up or down?
Step 3: Enter on a Retest
Wait for price to retest a key level, such as a support or resistance zone. This reduces risk and increases the probability of success.
Step 4: Set a Strategic TP Using the Techniques Above
Don’t just ‘hope’ for profits. Use ATR, liquidity zones, and scaled exits to maximize your returns.
Step 5: Manage Risk Like a Boss
- Keep stop-losses below recent liquidity zones.
- Use smaller lot sizes to handle volatility.
- NEVER overleverage. The market doesn’t care about your confidence—it rewards precision.
Final Thoughts: Mastering NFP Like an Insider
Trading NFP is not about being first—it’s about being right. Mastering Take Profit orders on high-impact news days like NFP will separate you from the amateurs.
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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