A TEST OF THE IMPACT OF BRANCHING ON DEPOSIT VARIABILITY.

The results of our tests indicate that branching does tend to reduce variability within a metropolitan area. Given the data with which we worked, no conclusive statement can be made concerning the relationship of geographical dispersion to diversification of deposits. In this paper we have measured the impact of branching on deposit variability for one financial institution and for one type of deposit. Thus, our results should be viewed as a first step in studying this question. If data become available, further replication for different areas and different types of deposits, especially demand deposits, should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]