An overlooked bear-market strategy

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Stock market bears are overlooking a very profitable strategy: See full story.

Prophecy: Is the next pope the last pope?

Forecasting stock moves is one thing: At least there is only a certain number of possible outcomes. But forecasting all the future popes? Yet according to his believers, this is exactly what St. Malachy did back in the 12th century. See full story.

Can carbon make returns sparkle?

Carbon makes up diamonds, which are some of the most valuable things on Earth. So Ben Weiss in Eye on Asia asks: is carbon fiber � used in planes, cars, technology and more � also the way to give your investment portfolio some sparkling returns? See full story.

When your boss doesn�t trust your doctor

More companies are rewarding employees who get second medical opinions. But does it lead to better health care? See full story.

5 most and least affordable cities for housing

With housing prices that remain far below a bubble peak, Michigan�s Detroit-Warren-Livonia area is No. 1 when it comes to housing affordability among U.S. metro areas, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors. Meanwhile, living in paradise isn�t cheap � Honolulu has the lowest housing affordability. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Cases of pet poisonings from human medications are on the rise. How to protect your four-legged friends See full story.