The trifecta of rising food and energy prices, tight credit, and sinking home prices continue to weigh heavily on consumers wallets.

FORBES: U.S. Consumers Tremble

In theory, shifting the estimated 215, 000 houses these agencies hold nationwide to the rental market would have the dual effect of lifting sinking home prices and lowering rising rents.

FORBES: City Governments and the Great Housing Beyond

Sinking home prices also sap consumer confidence.

ECONOMIST: State fiscal crises may deepen America's downturn