How 2012’s top money ideas have fared so far

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

As 2012 began, investors were encouraged to stick with defensive, dividend-paying U.S. stocks. Those strategies are paying off so far this year. See full story.

Perils of a corporate profit slowdown

The 2013 fiscal cliff should be a wake-up call. It does not benefit America�s economy to have the highest corporate tax rate in the world, writes Diana Furchtgott-Roth. See full story.

First drive: 2013 Ford Focus ST

Solidly built, lots of fun to drive and very comfortable, the forthcoming Focus ST confirms Ford as a major player in the hot hatch crowd, says Ron Amadon. See full story.

Goodbye new-car discounts, hello perks

Car makers offer money-back guarantees and haggle-free pricing instead of price cuts. See full story.

Unlocking the secrets of a car thief

Joe White looks at how auto engineers match wits with car thieves to design better anti-theft systems. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

Why has the New York Times failed to find a successor to the previous CEO in seven months? asks media columnist Jon Friedman See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

It�s a situation that seems to defy supply-and-demand logic: If there�s more demand in the housing market, wouldn�t the cost of borrowing funds to buy a home be significantly on the rise? See full story.