穆迪首席经济学家称特朗普可负担性政策将推高房价：忽视了基本的经济学

Core Viewpoint - Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi warns that President Trump's directive for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities may backfire, leading to increased home prices rather than addressing the severe housing affordability issue in the U.S. [1][5] Group 1: Economic Implications - Trump's claim that the directive will restore affordability and the "American Dream" by lowering monthly payments is criticized by Zandi as ignoring basic economics [1][5] - Following the directive, U.S. fixed mortgage rates fell by 10-20 basis points to just above 6%, but Zandi cautions that this relief is misleading [6] - Zandi believes that while lower rates may support housing demand, the severe housing shortage means that this stimulus will likely lead to rising home prices under unchanged conditions [6] Group 2: Federal Reserve Conflict - Zandi highlights a deeper institutional conflict related to the Federal Reserve, noting that despite the Fed's return to quantitative easing in December, it still allows for early payments and maturities of its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) [6][7] - The directive for government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to purchase these bonds effectively undermines the Fed's efforts to manage its mortgage portfolio [7] Group 3: Historical Context and Risks - Zandi questions the overreach of executive power in monetary policy, suggesting that it is more concerning than market mechanisms [3][7] - He warns that the re-expansion of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's balance sheets, which Trump touts as a great decision, poses a dangerous regression [3][7] - Zandi expresses concern that the principal limits imposed on these institutions after the 2008 financial crisis are gradually eroding, which could lead them back to their pre-crisis role as "giant hedge funds" [4][7]