[kjsdiuwe]

Are deflation worries overdone?

That question was raised Thursday after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a surprisingly large increase in its producer-price index, which measures wholesale inflation, in January. Separately, a 14% one-day jump in crude-oil futures seemed to make the topic more urgent.

Such speculation could continue Friday when the BLS releases details of the January consumer-price index. Economists think CPI rose 0.2%, partially reversing December's deep swoon as energy prices rebounded. They think "core" CPI, which strips out food and energy prices, rose 0.1%.

But any hints of an inflation revival are probably ...