The Federal Housing Agency’s decision Wednesday to remove shares of Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) from the New York Stock Exchange and have them trade on an electronic bulletin board is a clear message, for anyone still in doubt, that Fannie and Freddie are government tools for fixing the housing market, no longer independent companies that can be traded for their worth.  

The delisting of the shares is a formality due to both companies trading around $1 for more than 30 days. But by withdrawing the shares from trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the government has essentially ruled out the option of either agency resuming its former status as large, publicly traded companies.  

Experts say they expect the government to continue extending its support to the agencies, as long as they serve as vehicles to help deal with the housing crisis.