President says Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac IPOs remain under consideration

When asked whether an initial public offering for government-sponsored enterprises was on the table, the president said an IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is being considered but not rushed.

Why it matters: Changes to the ownership or capitalization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could affect housing finance markets and investor expectations about long-term housing policy.

The president said the agencies were once available at much lower valuations during his first term and that "we built it back," indicating a preference for careful timing. He said he could have sold them for far less earlier but chose not to and that an IPO is under consideration now.

The president also said the person addressing oversight would "stay there" and "be there" (referring to a nominee or acting official) but did not provide names or a clear timetable for any sale. Reporters did not receive a formal plan, and no legislative or regulatory proposal was announced during the gaggle.

What comes next: Officials could pursue further work on whether and how an IPO would proceed, but the president provided no concrete next steps at the gaggle.