Nike should see margin compression begin to ease as price hikes, coupled with continuing strength, take effect, though marketing efforts in the coming Olympics and Euro Cup could pressure margins in the short term.

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The bigger problem, though, is the effect of fast economic growth coupled with a fixed exchange rate.

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The Department of Labor announcement was coupled with news that the long-awaited rule will go into effect later than had been planned.

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In economic effect, a trade quota is rather like a tariff coupled with a donation of the tariff proceeds to a wealthy and politically connected foreigner.

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But when coupled with the partnering relationship, early business involvement has a force multiplying effect leading to business buy-in.

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This year's record high gas prices, coupled with a slow economy and the mortgage crisis, have had a cascading effect.

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