From a purely economic standpoint it would be nice to think that crude prices are about to plunge.  That is the story making the rounds these days — that the inflation trade is finished now that America, Europe and China have a grip on inflation.  Does anyone outside of the news media actually believe such poppycock?  In fact, crude oil’s 60-minute chart says the long-term bull is hanging tough — certainly no worse than that — yielding just a shallow correction from recent highs above $92.  Remember, as long as crude is not about to collapse, neither is bullion.  Allowing for a worst-case breakdown in crude, $81 is definitely possible in the weeks ahead. However, looking at the chart, that seems like a good spot for the futures to base for a push to $100.