Univariate comparisons of our overall sample of bank-quarter observations are provided in Table 1 for recessionary versus expansionary periods. Although we observe positive loan growth during both periods, the rate of growth is significantly higher during the expansionary periods. The differences in the other tabulated variables are consistent with what would be expected in periods of contraction versus expansion. Expressly, regulatory capital ratios and earnings before the provision are both lower during recessions, while the provision, changes in nonperforming loans, unemploy- ment rates and standard deviation of returns are higher during recessions than during expansions