Abstract

This study investigates the Canadian banking industry profitability and seeks to determine if there is evidence of market power hypothesis (MPH) and/or efficiency structure hypothesis (ESH) in the industry. Using GMM and data from 2006 to 2018, it finds no support for the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) component of MPH. However, evidence of relative market power (RMP) in the industry reflects partial support for MPH, implying that banks that offer differentiated products are able to exercise market power, increase market share, and achieve better profitability. The lack of support for X-efficiency (ESX) and scale efficiency (ESS), which are components of ESH, indicates no support for the ESH. The finding that QLH holds in the industry suggests the level of competition is inadequate and that managers in the industry exhibit suboptimal behaviour. Therefore, increasing the level of competition in the industry will stimulate managerial effectiveness. Findings relating to the control variables show that spread impedes profitability, whereas capitalization and the joint influence of spread and liquidity risk have facilitating effects. Credit risk is immaterial to profitability however, the effect of economic growth can be positive. This study provides a better understanding of the industry, which is important to managers, regulators, and policy makers. The robustness checks affirm the consistency of the findings and policy implications.

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