Sticker Shock

Prices are rising. For anyone doing the grocery shopping, this is no big news. Rising prices dampen company earnings, and that means lower returns on Wall Street. For now, interest rates remain low, and this is still boosting real estate. New home starts increased 11%. This mixed bag of news is dragging down yesterday's gains only slightly. If the prices are pinching you, check out http://www.overstock.com. Just don't say "Charge it."