Producer prices seem to be rising at a slower rate than consumer prices and that is looking good for corporate profits and the strength of the economy at this point.

Slower growth in producer prices makes China's exports more competitive, which means the nominal exchange rate can be allowed to appreciate without hurting exporters.

Prices paid by residential property investors are still growing, but at a much slower rate than was seen during the heady days of mid-2004 when investors had to compete with owner-occupiers in a busy market with limited stock available. The recent cut in interest rates should encourage landlords to expand to their portfolios as there are still good deals to be negotiated while the owner-occupier market remains relatively slow.

As far as energy prices and core consumer prices, so far it is all smoke and no fire. Rising energy costs have not yet fed into the costs of other goods, despite many anecdotal signs that prices are being impacted.

Good first drafts and speedy responses to consumer dialog will always trump lawyered corporate speak.

We're able to monitor the customer interaction, what the consumer is looking for, ... We're able to monitor what our own agent's performance has been.