41.   Interest rates are still higher than justified by the inflation outlook, McManus said.

42.   Investors today appeared optimistic about the inflation outlook.

43.   It is also received with cheer by central bankers, who cited a benign inflation outlook as the main reason they lowered interest rates three times since July.

44.   Most other measures, however, indicate a favorable inflation outlook.

45.   Moreover, the inflation outlook appears to be bright for the months to come.

46.   Mortgage rates have fallen this year, helped by a tame inflation outlook.

47.   Nevertheless, Phillips said the Fed remains on guard, and current plant-use rates may threaten the inflation outlook in coming months.

48.   Not all analysts view the inflation outlook as being so ominous.

49.   Obviously, the price of oil is a factor in both the inflation outlook and the general outlook for economic growth.

50.   One reason for the sanguine inflation outlook is because many businesses find it difficult to pass higher production costs onto customers because of competition.