Column 2 shows that the asymmetric impact of negative news
on returns is again evident along with the significant impact of
recession. Most salient are the coefficients for the variables of
interaction between news and recession. Notably, it appears negative
news has a significantly negative relationship with returns
during recession while the positive relationship with positive news
is insignificant. Given the greater propensity for negative news
during recession this result may be surprising, however it is consistent
with the idea that speculators (who hold net long positions)
will be most susceptible to margin calls as a result of tighter credit
during recession.