eliminate banks? they are usually 6 months to a year ahead of the rest of the business the nonfinancial business because they have a keen insight into what s going on. you hit on a key point. american express said they are trying to control their costs. they don t want their operating costs to go up more than 3 percent for the next two years. they are trying to get heyed of themselves. you could see there may be trouble coming up. finally good news because the energy department predicts gas prices could go down. when did you hear 131 from the u.s. department say gas will be cheaper. expect gas to average 3.44. before you pop the champagne or sham pag ne. that s a high price for a gallon of gas. if it s accurate that s going to put $205 back in the pocket of