Abstract

The market structure-performance relationship has been tested for US banking in industrial organization studies. Two divergent hypotheses with regard to this relationship are the Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) Paradigm and Efficient Structure Hypothesis (ESH). This paper presents the test results of both hypotheses with respect to the New York State S&L associations using the time-series and cross sectional (firm-level) data for the most recent period 2000-2010. The results of PEGLS regression indicate that performances of S&Ls vary with respect to operating cost, credit risk and capitalization. Neither market share nor concentration, however, plays a significant role in explaining profitability. The results partially support the ESH as an explanation for the market behavior of New York State S&L associatons. Given that profitable banks are efficient but also risk dependent, additional policies are warranted in order to mitigate risk and maintain the safety and soundness for the remaining S&Ls in the New York State.

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