101.   Higher energy prices also have squeezed corporate profits and restrained consumer spending.

102.   In addition, higher energy costs have squeezed corporate profits.

103.   In the meantime, three major utilities have asked state regulators for rate increases to pass along what they claim are higher energy costs.

104.   International Paper also cited sharply higher energy costs as a factor that has cut into profits.

105.   International Paper Co. warned its first-quarter earnings will fall short of estimates, dragged down by the weakened economy, higher energy costs and a strong dollar.

106.   Investors were apparently worried about some recent earnings reports and higher energy costs and a slower economy.

107.   Instead, its references to the tight labor market and higher energy costs as potential inflationary pressures appeared to revive market concerns of poor corporate performance.

108.   Lower consumer confidence, stock market volatility and higher energy prices were big factors in making consumers feel more inclined to tighten their belts.

109.   Many economists believe the government figures will show that consumer prices in September continued their upward trend, lifted by higher energy costs.

110.   Lower consumer confidence, stock market volatility and higher energy prices have all been blamed for the fall-off in sales last year.