1.   And if the economy keeps rolling along, many companies will likely wind up sitting on more cash than they can use for expansion or acquisitions.

2.   Analysts say a quarter-point increase is possible then or shortly thereafter if the economy keeps blazing ahead.

3.   And that might partly explain why, even as the new economy falters, the nude economy keeps going strong.

4.   Meanwhile, the U.S. economy keeps showing signs of health, with the retail, manufacturing and construction sectors picking up speed.