Monday morning links

TOP STORIES
U.S. plan to save Fannie and Freddie - CNN/Money
Government not expected to help more companies - AP
Lehman mulls strategic alliance, other options: report - Reuters
Banks at risk of failing almost double since 2006 - USAToday
Government as the Big Lender - NY Times

MARKETS
Invest in gold in June-July to get best returns - Commodity Online
Crude oil set to tumble below $100 next year, Lehman predicts - Telegraph UK
Brazil oil workers begin strike - BBC

ECONOMY
Oil Brings Americans Closer to OPEC Debtor Dependence - Bloomberg
As economy turns down, pawnshops' business looks up - LA Times

HOUSING
The importance of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae - BBC
Discounted Mortgage Notes Can Stop Foreclosures - Bloomberg
Home equity lines frozen at IndyMac - LA Times

FED/TREASURY
Credit fallout is just beginning - MSN Money
Bernanke Embrace May Turn as Fed Seeks More Powers - Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL
China's Currency Reserves Rise 36% to $1.81 Trillion - Bloomberg
European Industrial Output Drops the Most Since 1992 - Bloomberg
World stocks mixed on US mortgage plan - AP
N.Z. Economy Faces Stagflation as Recession Looms - Bloomberg
Underwriters brace for heavy impact in crunch fundraising week for UK lenders - Guardian
Further signs of rising inflation - BBC

INTERESTING
Homeowners who use heating oil seek alternatives - AP
7 surefire ways to stay poor - MSN Money