Gold hit a two-week high above $946.00 per ounce on Friday, extending its gains as the dollar retreated, while firmer oil prices raised its appeal as a potential inflation hedge.

What comes after a trillion? Inflation…and lots of it. Just about one year ago, in the May 8, 2008 edition of the Rude Awakening, your editors asked, “What comes after a trillion?” Today we know the answer: two trillion…and then three…and then four.

The dollar soared to a three-year high on Monday after a record loss for insurer AIG added to worries that the financial crisis is growing more severe and enhanced the U.S. currency’s safe-haven appeal.

In the face of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, Money Morning Investment Director Keith Fitz-Gerald continues to uncover solid profit opportunities – including China, oil and other key commodities, and possibly even U.S. stocks.

Manufacturing Spending Continue Slide; Macy’s Cuts 7,000 Jobs; Banks Still Not Lending; Renew Energy Files for Bankruptcy; Morgan Stanley Slashes Workforce; Oil Prices Slide 4%; Steelcase Shows Weakness

Dollar up vs yen as BOJ warns of further export woes…  Euro gains broadly; doubts about U.S. auto bailout loom… Market expects ECB rate cut; policy-makers seem divided

U.S. payrolls data show steepest fall in 34 years… Dollar falls to 6-week low vs yen, but rises vs euro… Markets fully price another half-point rate cut

Gold eases in quiet trade, traders eye next week’s data… Gold set for biggest gain since 1999 on safe haven buying