Tom Bulford explains how a shark caught off Italy in the 17th century led to the birth of geology – and how that could pay off for you in 2012.

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The incredible story of the shark-tooth scientist

How do you make it easier for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder and not lose out on tax revenue? Simple – make the seller pay.

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Should the seller pay the stamp duty?

The European Central Bank thinks it sees an end to the debt crisis. The problem is – so do we, says Bill Bonner.

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The Great Correction continues

John Stepek highlights the week’s best pieces from the MoneyWeek team, including: the nasty shock from the supermarket; the father of all bubbles; and how best to tax rich foreigners.

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MoneyWeek roundup: A nasty shock at the supermarket

Most new entrants to the fund management business are beginning to understand that they need to compete on price. The established players don’t seem to get it.

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Do you think £50 is a ‘nominal’ amount of money?

December delivered a positive surprise for the retail sector, with overall sales up by an annual 4.1% in December and like-for-like sales up 2.2%, the best figure since April’s royal wedding-induced jump.

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Christmas cheer on the high street

Britain’s building sector has been in the doldrums of late.

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Should you buy into Britain’s biggest builder?

China is perceived as being less corrupt than India. But, given the varying state in attitudes towards change, that is unlikely to last.

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If you make corruption transparent, will it go away? Maybe

It may not be not popular with a lot of people, but there’s a lot to be said for short-selling stocks, says Bengt Saelensminde.

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Why I’m a big fan of short-selling

David Stevenson highlights the week’s best pieces from the MoneyWeek team, including: how to invest in a troubled world, the mysteries of derivatives revealed, and a cheap British retailer to buy now.

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MoneyWeek roundup: Investing in a troubled world