Concern over house price slide

For a number of papers, the main story is the slide in house prices.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the International Monetary Fund believes the UK housing market is heading for a similar decline to that in the US.

The Times says the Bank of England is under intense pressure to cut interest rates again on Thursday.

It says the government is very concerned, in the knowledge that the mood of most British people is inextricably linked to house prices.

Interest rates

Even if the Bank of England reduces interest rates further, will it make much difference?

The Daily Mail suggests not - arguing that millions of homeowners and savers are being short-changed by lenders failing to pass on interest rate cuts.

The Mail accuses banks of protecting their profits and covering losses caused by the credit crunch.

The Financial Times notes that the IMF reckons the global financial system could face total losses of some £500bn.

Reconstruction request

The Daily Express and the Daily Star both lead with the request by police in Portugal for Madeleine McCann's parents to take part in a reconstruction.

The Express quotes an unnamed friend as saying the move has upset Kate McCann - and she is not sure she can do it.

The couple's lawyers are also said to question the usefulness of such a move so long after Madeleine disappeared.

The paper adds that, while the McCanns remain official suspects, they have no plans to return to Portugal.

Musical treasure

The Guardian reports on an Oxfam shop in Tavistock, Devon, which has received a donation of 4,000 classical vinyl LPs worth £25,000.

Volunteer Terry Hyde is reported as saying: "It's amazing. I can't think of a classical genre that's missing."

Also on a musical note, the Independent asks: "Has Glastonbury lost its mojo?"

One reason for waning enthusiasm is this year's headline act, hip-hop star Jay-Z, when most festival-goers expect a traditional guitar band, it says.