21.   A weakening dollar erodes profits at Japanese exporters by making their products more expensive and less competitive overseas.

22.   A year ago, Midland Independent said profits had been eroded by a slow start to the year and a failed acquisition attempt.

23.   A weaker U.S. currency erodes profits when Japanese exporters convert their revenue into yen.

24.   A weaker U.S. currency erodes profits when Japanese exporters convert their revenues back into yen.

25.   Adam Romero, who works for Apple Couriers, said the added checks have slowed down delivery time and eroded profits.

26.   Brokerage stocks sank as well amid worry persistent low trading volume will erode profit made from commissions on securities transactions.

27.   Canadian stocks plummeted, driven down by Royal Bank of Canada and other interest-sensitive issues on concern that rising interest rates will erode corporate profit.

28.   Canadian stocks fell for a second day as declining Asian and European markets renewed concern that slower growth in those regions will erode profits of Canadian exporters.

29.   Canadian stocks fell for a third day amid concern interest rates may rise, eroding corporate profits, analysts said.

30.   Chevron Corp. and Elf Aquitaine SA are joining their service station and refining operations in Britain, where a price war has eroded profits.