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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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Markets Surge on Positive U.S. Retail Data


The stock markets opened with a bang today as both the TSX and the S&P 500 reached record highs, buoyed by encouraging U.S. retail data.

The S&P 500 climbed by 1.2%, closing at 5,308.15, while the TSX Composite Index rose by 41.42 points to settle at 22,284.76. This surge was driven by strong performances in the technology and utility sectors, reflecting investor optimism following a favorable U.S. retail sales report.

The U.S. retail data showed a robust increase in consumer spending, which has been a key indicator of economic health. This positive sentiment was further bolstered by lower-than-expected inflation figures, providing a double dose of good news for the markets.

Kathrin Forrest, an equity investment specialist at Capital Group, noted, "It’s been a really constructive day for equities, certainly in North America. The technology sector, in particular, ended the week with a strong rally, led by semiconductor companies".

As investors continue to digest these positive economic indicators, the outlook for the markets remains optimistic. The combination of strong retail sales and manageable inflation suggests a resilient economy, which is likely to keep the markets buoyant in the near term.


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