Halfway through 2Q 2025 earnings season, it appears US companies are adjusting to tariffs – as corporate earnings are following a typical trajectory. “Of course, it’s early to draw a full conclusion and we’ll be watching for more signs of impact, but Corporate America remains dynamic and flexible. It’s doing its best to navigate the tariff uncertainty,” said Jack Janasiewicz, Multi-asset Portfolio Manager and Lead Strategist, Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. He believes the ability for US corporates to absorb higher costs remains strong given that margins are at all-time highs, as shown in the chart below.
The S&P 500® is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The index includes 500 leading companies and covers approximately 80% of available market capitalization.
- While some tariff costs are being passed on to consumers, as reported in our previous chart on tariff-induced inflation on consumer goods, businesses appear to be absorbing much of tariff costs, so far.
- “Evidence thus far points to the idea that Corporate America is bearing the bulk of tariff costs. Some firms are opting to absorb the costs rather than pass them along to preserve market share,” said Janasiewicz.
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