Inflation hawks have been warning since 2008 that the spurt of U.S. money creation that began at the end of that year would spark a surge in consumer-price inflation. And yet the consumer price index (CPI) statistics remain quiet - not giving ammunition to the deflationary camp, but making "inflationists" look silly, as well. Now, however, it is becoming obvious that inflation will soon arrive. But this time it is sneaking in through the back door - courtesy of our emerging-market trading partners. Fortunately, there are some very clear steps that investors can take to protect themselves from this expected inflationary surge. To learn about five investments that can battle inflation even as they fatten your portfolio, please read on...