CNN Money: Mortgage applications more than double
By Julianne Pepitone
12/3/2008
Mortgage application volume increased 112.1 percent last week after interest rates decreased following news that the federal government will purchase debt and mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Washington Post: Private Businesses Shed 250,000 Jobs in November
By Howard Schneider and Renae Merle
12/3/2008
Approximately 250,000 jobs in the private industry were cut in November, the largest drop in seven years, according to ADP’s monthly report. 

Washington Post: FHA Insurance Fund Has Fallen 39 Percent
By Dinah ElBoghdady
12/3/2008
The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) fund to cover losses on mortgages it insures has decreased 39 percent to $12.9 billion from $21.2 billion a year ago, but remains above the level where taxpayer money would be needed to cover defaults.