MSGI, I think the "credit crunch" and housing is definitely a problem, but what's being overlooked is "non core" inflation, which includes energy and food. As a single dad, I go grocery shopping quite a bit, and get the receipts from our Nanny. I'm shocked at how prices have escalated on meat, milk, laundry detergent, things like tylenol, pepcid - which I live on, lol, etc. Many have DOUBLED due to increases in energy and packaging as commodities have risen while the dollar falls. The only thing cheap out there is technology, shocked at how cheap computers are now. Not to mention gas prices, utilities, etc.
We are very close to a recession, and lowering interest rates isn't going to keep it away. The market is starting to realize this.
Buzz