The fall in commodity prices (especially oil) is only temporary. This is an election year. The deep rooted problems in the US economy are worsening and 2009 should be rather dismal with inflation, unemployment, and a very serious downturn in building and real estate. Bank earnings will suffer and contractors will be bankrupted. With falling tax revenues both State and federal budgets will be hard pressed. There will be hiring freezes at the State level. This is a very bad recession we are entering. Once the election is behind us, the borrow and send everyone a check game will no longer be a political necessity and reality will set in. In the meantime we can enjoy this little mini bull run from now to November.