GDP, Interest Rate Speculation, Nike Earnings Highlight the Trading Week Ahead

For the week of September 21 there are some key data to be released including new and existing home sales.

Author:: Jill Malandrino
Publish date:: Sep 18, 2015 2:57 PM EDT

The week of September 21 could be interesting because there are some key data to be released including New and Existing Home Sales as it not only a measure of housing demand, but strength in the economy. In addition, the PMI Manufacturing Index and the all-important GDP reading will be released, which is an all-inclusive measure of economic activity. TheStreet’s Jill Malandrino points out that not only could these data impact the markets and the U.S. dollar on the initial release, but it will also fire up speculation on how the Fed will interpret the data in terms of the timing for an actual rate hike. Recall, last week's commentary from the Fed on the economy was weaker than expected, so this set of data will be widely anticipated. Earnings are still relatively quiet, but there are a number of reports traders will be focused on. AutoZone (AZO) and General Mills (GIS) report on Tuesday. Finally, Nike (NKE) reports after the close on Thursday.