1.   A retreat in bonds pulled stocks from their highs amid concern that inflation might still become enough of a problem to force interest rates higher at some point.

2.   A weaker ringgit also makes imports more expensive, quickens the pace of inflation and forces interest rates higher, slowing the economy.

3.   Consumer price growth could be forced higher before the end of the year as the government is expected to announce an increase in value-added tax, economists said.

4.   Fewer birds and increased demand, both in the U.S. and overseas, is already forcing prices higher.

5.   Higher wages can force prices higher as companies adjust to bigger payrolls and consumers have more money to spend.

6.   It also makes imports more expensive, quickens the pace of inflation and forces interest rates higher, slowing the economy.

7.   It also can fuel inflation, which forces interest rates higher, hurting company earnings and the size of dividends paid shareholders.

8.   Moreover, said Gebhardtsbauer, the government would force interest rates higher by borrowing money in order to invest in stocks.

9.   Still, stocks and bonds may not be able to withstand the impact of a falling dollar -- and its potential to force rates higher -- for long.

10.   That signaled that corporate borrowing costs may be forced higher by the threat of inflation.