$Stock*Shop*Charts*News*Option$

[d272]

Households will spend about $90 billion more this year on gasoline if fuel prices remain at current levels, according to a forecast by economists at Credit Suisse Holdings in New York. That will consume about 80 percent of the more than $110 billion in rebate checks the government is sending out.

80% on gas alone, not counting higher food prices. Great way to stimulate the economy.

The report's inflation figures may show prices outside of food and fuel remain tame. A gauge tied to spending patterns and excluding food and energy costs, the Fed's preferred measure, increased 0.1 percent in April after a 0.2 percent gain the prior month, the survey showed.

Good plan, it's not like food and fuel prices are important or anything. We won't be able to eat or drive to work, but otherwise we'll be OK!