3. Track Patch Notes and League Starters
Read every patch note thoroughly. Even a minor change to a keystone or support gem can affect entire item classes.

Observe the most-used builds early in the league. This will reveal which gear types will be in high demand.

Investing Smartly
To take full advantage of market trends, learn to Path of exile currency think like a trader:

Speculate Early: Buy or hold onto items you expect to rise in demand (e.g., items used in new skills).

Sell High, Buy Low: Offload leveling uniques or early-league meta gear when prices peak, and repurchase when demand dips.

Avoid Hoarding Without a Plan: Keeping hundreds of low-tier items “just in case” without researching their value leads to buy POE currency wasted stash space and missed trades.

When to Ignore the Economy (Strategically)
There are cases where ignoring the market can be the right move—if you’re intentionally speed-leveling, racing, or just playing self-found. However, even in these cases, knowing market trends can help you:

Recognize what drops are genuinely valuable.

Adjust your crafting and farming methods.

Trade at key moments to boost your power spikes.

Even for self-found players, understanding the economy gives a clearer view of what your gear is worth, which informs smart decisions about crafting or upgrades.

Conclusion: Awareness Is Profit
In a game as deep and complex as Path of Exile 2, ignorance is not bliss—it’s expensive. Ignoring market trends and the wider economic landscape of the game leads to wasted loot, poor trading, and slower progression. Conversely, staying informed helps you make smarter decisions, manage your currency more effectively, and even shape the market for others.