Chart 1. The title is "After a Period of Decline, Memphis Region Allowance Levels Increased in the Fourth Quarter." A combined line and bar chart showing the ratio of the median allowance to total loans and the median allowance coverage of nonperforming loans from December 1996 through December 2001. In December 1996, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.33 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 195. In June 1997, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.31 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 183. In December 1997, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.28 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 202. In June 1998, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.26 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 175. In December 1998, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.25 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 180. In June 1999, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.23 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 180. In June 2000, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.22 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 170. December 2000, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.23 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 162. In June 2001, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.25 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 143. In December 2001, the ratio of the median allowance to total loans was 1.27 percent, and the allowance coverage of nonperforming loans was 148.