Another Bailout Coming: Freddie sees more missed payments

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FakeBen says:

"Freddie and Fannie are going to get bailed out before all is said and done. It was amazing to see the OFHEO regulators cave to political pressure and allow them to lower their capital requirements. What a joke! Lowering capital requirements and issuing more loans at still-elevated housing prices, just as we go into a recession and missed payments skyrocket! Bear Stearns was not enough. Get ready for more bailouts with your tax dollars."

From CNNMoney.com:

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- Freddie Mac said Tuesday more borrowers missed payments on the mortgage financier's portfolio of $709.5 billion in home loans in February.

The delinquency rate in Freddie Mac's portfolio swelled to 0.71% in January from 0.65% in December, and 0.43% in February 2007.

Sinking home values have strapped mortgage borrowers because when property values are low, homeowners lose the means and the incentive to repay home loans.

Freddie Mac's portfolio grew 12% in February during the last month in which the company adheres to a voluntary cap on growth in its portfolio.

Freddie Mac's (FMC) regulator, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, agreed to lift the cap this month.