The suicide wave that followed the United States stock market crash of October 1929 is more legend than fact. Careful examination of the monthly figures on the causes of death in 1929 shows that the number of suicides in October and in November was comparatively low. In only three other months were the monthly figures lower. During the summer months, when the stock market was flourishing, the number of suicides was substantially higher.
The statement 'Because of seasonal differences, the number of suicides in October and November of 1929 would not be expected to be the same as those for other months' would best challenge the conclusion of the passage.