Foreign investment buying mortgages - 2004-02-15
Demand for U.S. mortgage bonds backed by Ginnie Mae has increased in the last year, helping to keep U.S. mortgage rates lower thanks, in part, to foreign central banks that need safe places to park dollars.

Treasuries may still be the gold standard in terms of safety for foreign central banks, but bonds issued by Ginnie Mae, or the Government National Mortgage Association, are probably a close second, analysts said.
Read the full story at Philadelphia Inquirer

Nursing home fees more than mortgage payments - 2004-02-15
Britain's frail elderly people are disbursing nearly £24,000 on average a year on their nursing home fees. This is five times more than the average mortgage repayment - and enough to repay a £310,000 home loan over 25 years.

Residential homes, where less nursing is required, charge £17,112 a year on average, according to health analyst Laing & Buisson, which would pay for a £225,000 repayment mortgage* at the current standard rate.
Read the full story at This Is Money