Economics and Investing:

Authoritarian governments start stockpiling food to fight public anger

Nearly 11 Percent of US Houses Empty (Thanks to G.G. for the link.)

Bank of America dealt another foreclosure blow in Nevada

Items from The Economatrix:

Energy Stocks Push Indexes Higher  

Oil Prices Rise on Egypt Unrest, Brent Tops $100  

Consumer Spending Up 0.7% In December  

Egypt’s Economy Hurt as Travelers Avoid The Unrest  

World Stocks Fall on Egypt Turmoil  

Gold Premiums Highest Since 2004; China Stock Up