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Tariff Costs Put New Pressure on U.S. Corporate Profits

Rising tariff expenses are beginning to weigh heavily on U.S. companies, prompting executives across multiple industries to warn that profit margins may tighten in the months ahead. Many firms had initially suggested they could manage the added costs through efficiency improvements or selective price increases, but that confidence is fading as import-related expenses continue to climb. Companies that rely on global supply chains are feeling the strain most acutely. Higher costs on imported materials and components are forcing difficult decisions: pass the increases on to consumers, risking weaker demand, or absorb the costs internally, which directly erodes profitability. For many businesses, neither option is attractive. Consumer-facing brands are finding it especially challenging to raise prices further, as shoppers show growing sensitivity to even modest increases. This resistance limits the ability of firms to offset tariff-driven expenses, creating a squeeze that is beginning t...

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Your daily horoscope: August 2, 2023




HOROSCOPES IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY


ARIES (March 21 - April 20):

Before you get rid of something you no longer need make absolutely sure it won’t be of some use to you in the future. The moment you throw it out is the moment it becomes too late to get it back again, so don’t be impetuous.


TAURUS (April 21 - May 21):

The planets warn you are trying too hard to solve a problem that may well resolve itself if you just let it be. Put it on the back burner for a while and focus on something of a more positive nature instead. Let time do the healing.


GEMINI (May 22 - June 21):

The more you get out into the world the more likely it is you will meet someone who can make things happen for you. If they want to steer you in a new direction, don’t fight it. Maybe they see your future better than you see it yourself.


CANCER (June 22 - July 23):

Try not to get caught between two warring factions over the next 24 hours. No matter how much pressure you come under to choose one side over the other you must insist on staying neutral. All sides will thank you for it later on.


LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23):

Sit back and let friends and colleagues do the donkey work for a change. You have done so many kind things for other people in recent weeks that you may have forgotten how to be kind to yourself. Take a break if you need it – and you do!


VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23):

Mercury, your ruler, is at odds with Saturn today, so most likely you will take what other people tell you with a large pinch of salt. Far from being a bad thing your suspicions could help you avoid making decisions that come back to haunt you.


LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23):

A few days from now you will look back and wonder why you allowed yourself to get so worked up about issues that are of no real importance. By why wait until then? Refuse to get upset about what’s going on in the world.


SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22):

Take a step back from whatever you are involved with at home or at work and look at the issue from a wider perspective. The more expansive your viewpoint the more you will see answers to problems that other people say can never be resolved.


SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21):

If a loved one makes demands of you that are impossible to meet just say “No” and mean it. No matter how close you may be to them they have no right to expect that you will put your own life on hold just to please them.


CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20):

You have never been the sort to avoid making tough decisions and that’s good because you will be called on to make several today. Don’t tell people what they want to hear, tell them the truth and insist that they face up to reality.


AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19):

You may not be able to take what is worrying a loved one seriously but don’t belittle their fears. What seems such a small thing to you has obviously taken on huge significance for them personally. Show them the way back to reality.


PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20):

Your life has been too regimented of late and now you must shake things up a bit. Ignore whatever schedule or timetable you have been trying to follow and let your instincts guide you instead. This could actually be a really fun day.



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