[stovt001]

Few foresaw oil shooting up this high this fast, so you can't say you know for sure it won't do something else crazy, like shoot way high up again, or plummet dramatically. Energy and food prices are excluded from the core CPI because they are so volatile. Who knows, if the European bank remains as unconcerned about inflation as it is now, the dollar could strengthen significantly, especially if the former Fed rate reductions start showing effect and Bernake and Co make the decision to raise rates a bit. More domestic drilling could also play a role, and I give that one a 50-50 shot. Finally with gas prices the way they are alternatives are sure getting a boost, and may make a bigger impact than originally estimated.