The mortgage market started looking better to Fannie Mae during the last few months of 2005, allowing the government-sponsored enterprise to start growing its portfolio for the first time after a year-long decline. After growing to $913.25 billion in October 2004, the combination of less attractive buying conditions and a forced march to build up capital put Fannie Mae on the sidelines. Through the end of November, the GSE’s retained portfolio had shrunk by… [One data table included]