An observation

[TboneMan]

All signs are pointing to a long economic recovery, that is if it ever does recover (and who really knows what that means).

Here's my thoughts:

Every up-tick or positive outcome in the economic world, (e.g., a consumer business does better than expected, housing starts hold steady or increase slightly) whatever the good news, the oil traders start drooling on themselves and start jacking up the price of crude.

Crude goes up = fuel costs go up = bad for business

I firmly believe that last year's super inflated fuel prices were a MAJOR cause of our current econ. problems. Sort of the "straw that broke the camels back".

Sure people (consumers) were STUPID. Zero principle mortgages, "needing" all of the latest crap for this, that and the other thing. McMansions being built everywhere.

But we all still need to drive to work, trucks still need to transport goods. The "perfect storm" occurred.

Think what would happen if we started seeing fuel prices up in the $5.00 range again. What business or household could afford to sustain those costs?

And we think people are not spending money now!