2008 Federal Intervention to Stabilize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Résumé du livre

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (FM/FM) are gov¿t.-sponsored enterprises that play a central role in U.S. residential mortgage markets. Policymakers have become increasingly concerned about the size and risk-taking incentives of FM/FM. In Sept. 2008, the fed. gov¿t. intervened to stabilize FM/FM in an effort to ensure the reliability of residential mortgage finance in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis. This report describes the sources of financial distress at FM/FM, outlines the measures taken by the fed. gov¿t., and presents evidence about the effectiveness of these actions. Looking ahead, policymakers will need to consider the future of FM/FM as well as the appropriate scope of public sector activities in primary and secondary mortgage markets.