This page drills down into the outlook for profit margins. The left-hand chart shows the evolution of margins over time. Profit margins started 2022 either at or close to record levels across many major markets, making it challenging for further margin expansion to bolster earnings this year. The right-hand chart looks at the proportion of US companies planning to raise prices, and those planning to raise wages. So far in this cycle many companies have generally been able to cope with increased wage pressures by raising prices.