41.   United Microelectronics Corp. led the decline on concern falling computer chip prices will crimp corporate earnings.

42.   While higher rates make Hong Kong dollar-denominated deposits more attractive, they also boost company borrowing costs and can crimp earnings.

43.   While aggressive moves to slash tariffs have the company well positioned to face full competition for the first time next year, they will also crimp earnings.

44.   While making peso-denominated investments more attractive, higher rates raise borrowing costs of companies and crimp earnings.

45.   But the recent U.S. economic slowdown has crimped the earnings of Japanese exporters as demand for their products diminishes across the Pacific.

46.   Not surprisingly, many U.S. airlines reported healthy profits for the first time in many years, although some saw higher fuel costs crimp earnings.

47.   Now the recent U.S. economic slowdown has crimped the earnings of Japanese exporters as demand for their products diminishes across the Pacific.