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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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Wall Street Wavers Amid Tech Sector Turmoil and China Trade Concerns

 

Wall Street experienced a mixed opening on Thursday, following a significant downturn in the technology sector due to escalating trade tensions with China. Premarket trading showed varied results, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipping by 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures rose by 0.2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq, which had its worst day since 2022, managed a slight rebound of 0.4%.

The market’s volatility was largely driven by concerns over potential new trade restrictions. Reports indicated that U.S. President Joe Biden is considering stringent measures against companies like ASML and Tokyo Electron if they continue to supply advanced semiconductor technology to China. This news sent shockwaves through the tech sector, with shares of Tokyo Electron plummeting 8.8% and other chip-related stocks also taking a hit.

In addition to the tech sector’s woes, Domino’s Pizza saw a significant drop of over 10% after announcing lowered expectations for store openings this year. Conversely, Chuy’s Holdings surged by 47% following the announcement of its acquisition by Darden Restaurants in a $605 million deal.

European markets showed modest gains, with France’s CAC 40 up 0.5%, Germany’s DAX inching up 0.2%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 adding 0.6%. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index closed down 2.4%, reflecting the broader concerns over trade and currency fluctuations.

As the day progresses, investors will be closely monitoring developments in trade policies and their potential impact on the global economy.


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