1.   Corporate profits have been hurt by slack demand.

2.   Also hurting profits is a stronger dollar.

3.   Also weighing on stocks was concern that a recent Argentine tax increase will depress economic growth and hurt the profits of Chilean companies operating there.

4.   Although consumers have been enticed by the deals on showroom floors, the extensive discounts will likely hurt industry profits, he said.

5.   Although stocks have recouped most of their losses, investors fear that a declining or flat market will undermine demand for stocks and hurt profits of brokers and underwriters.

6.   American General also said that it was avoiding the flood of individual bankruptcies and delayed payments hurting profits for many consumer lenders in recent months.

7.   Among decliners, Tranz Rail Holdings Ltd. yesterday warned that fourth-quarter profit will be hurt by the slowing economy.

8.   An interest rate increase would hurt bank profits, since banks borrow short-term at low rates and lend out longer term at higher rates.

9.   An inability to raise business fares or attract enough business travelers can hurt profits.

10.   An overnight slide in U.S. stocks and bonds also triggered concerns that higher U.S. interest rates would hurt corporate profits.