Economics and Investing:

Despite Decline in CPI, Food Index Increases in December. – G.G.

o o o

First National Bank of Crestview fails: branches will reopen Tuesday under New Orleans bank. – G.G.

o o o

Items from Mr. Econocobas:

Venezuela Lacks A Lot More Than McDonald’s French Fries

Venezuela’s Future? ‘Barbarity and People Looting’ – This is from December but worth posting still.

Obama Said to Seek 7% Budget Boost, Setting Up Fight With Congress

Bullard’s Back (But Stocks Ain’t Buying It… Yet)– This was the same Bullard who lifted stock with a hint that QE wouldn’t end; however that proved wrong as it did end just a few weeks later but it did stop the slide in the markets.