ECONOMY

Fed Hints of Inflation Concern: Federal Reserve Board Vice Chairman David Mullins told an economic forum that he sees early signs of rising inflation, and he said the independent central bank must be vigilant. In a generally upbeat address, Mullins sounded especially worried about the rise in bond yields and in long-term interest rates in general. He said he was not arguing for an early interest rate rise as a preemptive strike, but analysts said his comments were a clear indication that rates may be raised early next year. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen, apparently seeking to head off a rise in rates that could slow economic recovery, told reporters that he found the outlook encouraging.