As shown in the left-hand panel of Figure 21, estimated using the full sample, the output responses to a monetary policy shock (upward jump in the 14- day repurchase rate, RP14) with and without bank credit (LOANS) exogenized are quite similar for the first 4 quarters but the former dissipates more quickly thereafter. But while the output response is certainly dampened when the role of bank credit is blocked off, the difference is not very pronounced, indicating the existence of a bank lending channel that is not very strong. On the other hand, using data only up to the first quarter of 1999, the right-hand panel of Figure 21 shows that the degree with which the response of output to monetary shocks is dampened when bank loans are exogenized is considerably larger. After 4 quarters, nearly half of the direct impact of an unanticipated change in monetary policy on GDP comes through bank loans. Overall, the results suggest not only that the impact of monetary policy on output has weakened since 1999, but also that this decline has been associated with a weaker bank- lending channel. The latter has apparently been driven by a smaller sensitivity of both bank loans to monetary policy and of output to bank loans.