May 23, 2004

Insider selling surges at corporations across US, suggesting that, even after more than two years of scrutiny, corporate America has yet to figure out how to link pay and performance; some executives continue to lock in multimillion-dollar paydays no matter what happens to profits or stock prices; photos of Lawrence C Best of Boston Scientic, who cashed out $152.1 million in nine months, Wendy's chairman John T Schuessler, who sold more than half of his holdings in company and Ray Elliott of Zimmer Holdings; graphs (M)

Retirement plan of federal employees, including members of Congress, is very model of how mutual funds should be run for benefit of shareholders, in sharp contrast to unethical practices that victimize many investors in private realm; federal Thrift Savings Plan offers five index funds operating at modest cost far below fees paid by many private investors; disparity noted in light of Congess's apparent lack of interest in tightening regulation (M)

Profile of Stewart Elliott, jockey who rode Smarty Jones to victory in Kentucky Derby and Preakness, first two legs of Triple Crown; at 39, he is hardly new to racing and has been leading rider at Philadelphia Park for last three years, but is only now gaining national prominence; career highlights; photos (M)

Brokers in New York City region say concern about rising mortgage interest rates has pushed some home buyers into market, discouraged others and spurred some increase in listings; market remains on inventory-squeezed, high- and higher-priced roll that is boon to sellers; photos of houses priced at median for their area (M)

Ben Brantley calls 'unmemorable' past Broadway season in wake of upcoming Tony awards, to be presented June 8 on CBS; suggests some nominees for Tony awards; photos (M)