... absolute and compared to competitors), profitability (including the level and variation of profits), and leverage. Table 4 shows the means of selected historical characteristics of a sample of publicly ... percentage of total bank assets are from Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income, December 31, 1980, and December 31, 1990. Figures on banks' share of municipal debt are from Board of Governors ... bank regulators, and the National Association of Securities Dealers. PROVIDERS OF CREDIT AND LIQUIDITY ENHANCEMENTS In order to improve the credit ratings and marketability of their securities,...