Reuters - Stocks rose on Thursday, helped by optimism about a major deal in the chemicals sector and after the Federal Reserve chairman said the central bank and the government are focused on stabilizing the financial system.

AP - Rates on 30-year mortgages edged up this week, while rates on other home loans were a mixed bag.

AFP - US mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are facing growing pressure as fears intensify about a potential calamity at the firms, which underpin trillions of dollars in home loans.

AFP - The US government is considering a plan to take over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if their finance problems deepen, US media reported on Friday.

AP - Fears that the government will be forced to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could well become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Reuters - The Dow and the S&P 500 turned negative on Thursday as the price of oil jumped more than $5 and financial stocks fell on worries about more credit losses.