In the name of battling inflation, the Fed is fueling deflation--witness depressed commodity prices, always a signal of trouble ahead.

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"The more of a commodity PCs become, the more reliance manufacturers will place on brand-name awareness, pricing and market segmentation, " says Stephen.

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Given the many economic headwinds facing the U.S. economy (high unemployment, low consumer spending, increasing commodity prices and the fear of tightening credit given the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Europe to name a few) prospects for increased corporate earnings stemming from increased sales seem difficult.

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