Nike Earnings, Mortgage Rates, and Jobless Claims Take Center Stage

Nike's (NYSE: NKE) first-quarter earnings are set to be released on October 1, and investor sentiment around the sportswear giant remains weak. Shares of Nike are trading near their lowest level since 2014, reflecting concerns about the company's near-term growth trajectory.

The analysts are closely watching China sales figures, which have been a persistent pressure point for the brand in recent quarters. The company faces intensifying competition in the running category, with rivals like Lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) eating into market segments that Nike has historically dominated.

Beyond earnings, markets will receive the latest weekly mortgage rate data from Freddie Mac, offering an updated snapshot of borrowing conditions for American homebuyers. The current average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage is sitting above 7%, keeping affordability under severe pressure for prospective buyers nationwide.