Comment: A recent Daily Telegraph article noted that antique prices have fallen sharply, with an antique armoire dropped from £1,200 10 years ago to just £200 today. Changing fashions, a plentiful supply of cheap, modern furniture from the likes of IKEA, smaller homes and, more recently, the economic downturn have all been blamed for falling antique prices.

2. Which was the best performing major currency in the world in 2008, rising by 21% against the dollar?       c. Japanese yen

Comment:The yen was the world's strongest major currency against the dollar in 2008. The Swiss Franc has risen by 4% and is benefiting from its traditional "safe haven" status. The Icelandic Krona fell by 84% against the dollar in the wake of that country's financial crisis.

3. In the UK Aldi, the German retailer, is selling a two piece pin strip business suit for:      b. £25

Comment: This is a striking example of the effects of globalisation and aggressive pricing by retailers.  The Times road tested the polyester suit and declared it somewhat scratchy.

4. Prices do not always reflect value. In a blindfold test of 150 people mince pies from the discount retailer Netto scored 73%, well above Waitrose mince pies at 66% or Harrords at 66%. How many boxes of Netto mince pies can you buy for one box of Harrods mince pies?        c. 5

Comment: Which magazine concluded, "Netto proves that cheap doesn't mean nasty. The cheapest pie on test puts many better-known, more expensive rivals to shame with good scores for taste and appearance". Which also rated Netto's £2.69 Christmas pudding a best buy, ahead of much more expensive Waitrose and M&S products.

5. How much has the price of the average UK house risen over the last 10 years?         b. up 124%

Comment:  According to the Halifax, the average UK house rose in price by 124% between November 1998 and 2008, an increase of £90,000. On the Halifax measure UK house prices have now fallen 18.1% from their 2007 peak.