Puts that I currently hold (somewhat economy and housing related) include CFC, BBY, SBUX. I had some others but sold. But I bought all these when stock prices were higher, so this is not an endorsement to buy them now… It was actually reading this forum about Countrywide’s lending practice that gave me the idea to buy a put on the company…my puts on SBUX and BBY’s expire in 1/07; while CFC expires in 1/08. I did own put on Wholefood once, but my timing was off, so that was a 100% loss (that’s why puts are risky!) I heard someone on CNBC mentioned Bed,Bath and Beyond, but I haven’t checked that one out yet.
I had a short on PFCB and SIRI in a “stock contest”game that I play and both did wonders for me:-) Too bad I didn’t actually short them.

The same person on CNBC suggested putting PMI companies, I’m not sure, I think that the real risk resides with 2nd loan holders (those piggybank loans), if I know a bank that holds a lot of those, I’d consider buying a put. Any ideas?