How does corporate banking fare in a recession, is it inversely correlated?

Since the nature of corporate banking is to provide lending services to companies, does that mean that corporate banking is counter cyclical?

If I look at it from the most basic angle it would seem like an economic downturn coupled with rising interest rates would lead to a huge boom in corporate banking fees while our M&A services might be needed less, it seems like our debt services might be needed more.

Is there something I'm missing? I feel like my rational is too basic.

I'm sure a recession is bad for everyone and if it is bad for corporate banking can you explain how?

4 Comments
 

No, but they will have to borrow to stay afloat, and may need to have the loan restructured if the company is financially underwater.

During booms, they would borrow for investment purposes or to purchase companies.

TLDR: corporate banking isn’t counter cyclical but is just more stable relative to some other parts of finance.

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