Fannie Mae: It Is Bob Corker Versus Bill Ackman

After Senator Bob Corker’s surprise call for Americans to short Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) during an interview with CNBC’s Rick Santelli on Wednesday, in a new twist, Bill Ackman revealed that Political Alpha has circulated a new research note on the GSEs that could signal a shift in the Obama administration’s handling of the GSEs.

“Multiple sources have confirmed that the White House has reached out to the housing finance community to understand better its options on what to do with the GSEs after conservatorship,” according to Andrew Taylor, director of research at the investment intelligence agency. There’s already been rumours by various hedge funds that Obama’s team wants to privatise the GSEs; is...