Friday morning links

TOP STORIES
Freddie Mac mulling $10 billion share offer: report - Reuters
Jim Bunning's Capitalism Pitch Is in Strike Zone - Bloomberg
Jim Rogers: Hot on China, cold on India - Commodity Online
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac spent millions on lobbying - AP
Anti-Energy Speculation Bill Stirs Fear - NY Times
Worst-case scenario? Canadian hard assets would skyrocket - Globe & Mail

MARKETS
Gold slips on steady dollar, softer oil - Reuters
Oil prices edge up after 3-day decline - AP
Grains weak as commodities sell off - Reuters

ECONOMY
New Stimulus Plan on Tap - Washington Post
Inflation threatens global economy, IMF warns - USA Today
Fed's Hoenig Finds Bitter Inflation in Colorado Chocolate Plant - Bloomberg

HOUSING
States battle mortgage foreclosure threat; see chart - USA Today
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: End of illusions - Economist
O.C. office construction plummets 91% - O.C. Register

FED/TREASURY
America’s economy: Boxed-in Ben - Economist
Got a Fix? Please, Call the Fed - NY Times
Concern grows over a fiscal crisis for U.S. - SF Gate
Lawmakers Want Fannie-Freddie Aid Tied to Debt Limit - Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL
UK Budget deficit soars to the worst since records began - Telegraph UK
Japan: Land of the rising price - Economist
Trichet says euro zone growth to hit trough in Q2, Q3 - Reuters
You wanted a 'deep, dark recession', Michael? - Guardian
China's Economic Fortunes Swing Toward Recession - Bloomberg

INTERESTING
Automakers offer hybrids for NYC taxi fleet - AP
Starbucks names all 600 stores to be closed; see list - AP