Caps to be lifted for Fannie, Freddie 

Federal regulators announced they will lift the limits on
the amount of home loans and securities that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can
buy, which could boost the nation’s housing market. The government-sponsored
mortgage giants had lost a big chunk of their market share during the housing
boom, but have regained their central role since the credit crunch began last
year. Democrats and some mortgage officials have called for lifting the
restrictions, while the White House and Federal Reserve have said their large role
in the mortgage market requires strict oversight. Fannie and Freddie have
issued the vast majority of mortgage securities over the last six months.