Fannie's Raines Answers Back To Mortgage Critics On Firm's Web Site - 2004-03-16
Chairman and Chief Executive Franklin Raines declared that his firm "is one of the last financial institutions in the world that could cause a problem in the economy."

He said the Fed study uses models that "simply do not reflect how the mortgage market works" and "does not capture the impact Fannie Mae has on lowering mortgage rates".
Read the full story at Dow Jones via Yahoo!

Banks prepare for rising interest rates - 2004-03-16
When it comes to the Federal Reserve's overnight lending interest rate, a week, or a depressing jobs report, can make a huge difference.

As such, local lenders are still determining how to cope with weakening demand for home mortgages. Some say they've already installed measures, such as promoting adjustable rate loans, that have helped them generate more noninterest revenues. But most are reluctant to show their competitive hand.
Read the full story at Business Journal of Portland