Home-builder confidence highest since 2006

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

A gauge of confidence among home builders rose in December to the highest level since April 2006, with respondents encouraged by declining inventory and good sales conditions. See full story.

10 things the end of the world won�t tell you

While we can�t say for sure what will happen on Friday, and we don�t have a clue as to why the Mayan calendar ends or if it does, we can offer up these 10 things the end of the world won�t tell you. First suggestion: If you�re scheduled to work Friday, go to work. See full story.

Better watch out: Insiders are selling

Corporate insiders are no longer on the side of the bulls. And as Mark Hulbert explains, this represents a remarkably quick shift from the situation that prevailed just one month ago, when the average insider was behaving quite bullishly. See full story.

Fringe 15-year mortgage becomes hot property

More borrowers are choosing home loans that they can pay off much faster. See full story.

5 ways to keep your home sale on track

Encouraging signs in the housing market may entice more homeowners to put their properties on the market in 2013. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The fiscal cliff is a misleading metaphor, writes Rex Nutting. The tax and spending laws will change on that day, it�s true, but the impact will be spread out over many, many months. We�re already feeling the pain. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

The ad-revenue bonanza up for grabs in the map war. See full story.