71.   In the last seven trading days the Hang Seng Index has fallen by about a third amid concern escalating interest rates will erode corporate profit.

72.   Interest costs are eroding its profits.

73.   Japan did not want to be blamed for setting off a round of competitive devaluations that could ultimately erode profits everywhere in the region.

74.   Japanese stocks were little changed as concern a sinking dollar may erode profits at exporters such as Sharp Corp., offset increased demand for stocks from new investment funds.

75.   Japanese stocks fell amid concern a declining dollar will erode profits of exporters such as Bridgestone Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp.

76.   Japanese stocks may slide in the week ahead amid concern that a weaker dollar will erode profit at companies that depend on exports.

77.   Japanese stocks fell after a report that the Bank of Japan may raise bank lending rates this month rekindled concern rising interest rates will erode corporate profits.

78.   Larger debt provisions erode profits.

79.   Kmart Corp. said it expects to earn less in the fiscal second quarter than a year earlier as higher-than-expected clearance markdowns eroded its profit.

80.   Lower gold prices hurt stocks of gold mining companies, as investors bet profits will be eroded and that some mines may have to be shut unless prices rebound.