It looks as though core inflation is back. We have the core CPI now growing at an average monthly rate of roughly 0.3 percent thus far in 2004. That adds up to a rate hike happening sooner rather than later.

It looks as though core inflation is back, ... We have the core CPI now growing at an average monthly rate of roughly 0.3 percent thus far in 2004. That adds up to a rate hike happening sooner rather than later.

That's a prime example of where higher energy prices can rein in core [non-energy] inflation.

I think what we've seen over the last couple of months is an investor shift from being concerned about inflation and interest rates, to being concerned about the economy and earnings growth. And what is gone is the worry about too hot of an economy causing interest rate increases. Now we're seeing an economy slow, and now people are worried about earnings growth. So it's out of the frying pan, into the fire, if you will. We don't believe inflation is a problem.

The best way to destroy the capitalist system is to debauch the currency. By a continuing process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens.

Inflation: Everyone's illusion of wealth