Earnings results so far show companies are effectively navigating supply issues and rising costs

Halfway through third-quarter earnings season, and there are two key catalysts: 

1. Demand is strong.
2. Cost inflation and supply-chain issues are the main headwind, but companies are learning to navigate through them. 

In some cases, supply chain disruption has taken a serious toll. Apple CEO Tim Cook said supply chain issues had cost the company $6 billion, driven by chip shortages and COVID-related manufacturing disruptions in Southeast Asia.

The major issues debated among investors watching earnings: Are supply chain and cost inflation issues peaking, and how long can corporate America keep raising prices?