As the subprime market begins to show some cracks a new breed of investor is using financial instruments to bet against mortgage borrowers they consider most likely to suffer in a housing downturn.

Just when the gloomier pundits were starting to enjoy the downturn, optimists are saying it could be almost over. In any case, the weak market will remain painful for speculators and for those in industries associated with real estate.

Shares on Wall Street are expected to lose ground early on Monday as investors brace for a key gauge of consumption and inflation after Friday’s weak economic growth reading cast doubt on a 3-1/2-month rally.

We approached five organizational experts to find out just how tough — and expensive — it can be to rearrange closet space. We compared various suggestions to see what we should do with our jam-packed, 18-inch-deep storage area.

When thoughts turn to turkey and mistletoe the last thing on people’s minds is packing up and moving to a new home. June Fletcher with tips on how to approach the real estate market this year if the top item on your wish list is finding a buyer for your property.

Margaret Tyler still has the little glass dish responsible for turning an innocent childhood interest in the British royal family into a 10,000-strong collection of royal memorabilia worth more than £40,000.