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On weak identification in structural VARMA models

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  • Yao, Wenying
  • Kam, Timothy
  • Vahid, Farshid

Abstract

We simulate synthetic data from known data generating processes (DGPs) that arise from economic theory, and compare the performance of fitted VAR and VARMA models in estimating the true impulse responses to structural shocks. We show that while the VARMA structures implied by these DGPs are theoretically identified and lead to precise estimates of impulse responses given enough data, their parameters are close to the non-identified ridge in the parameter space, and that makes precise estimation of the impulse responses in small samples typical of macroeconomic data improbable. As a result, VARMA models barely show any advantage over VARs in characterizing the known DGPs in small samples. This is a refinement of the conjecture that near non-stationarity, near non-invertibility or weak identification could be possible reasons for the failure of structural VARMA models in providing good estimates of theoretical impulse responses of particular DSGE models.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao, Wenying & Kam, Timothy & Vahid, Farshid, 2017. "On weak identification in structural VARMA models," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 1-6.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:156:y:2017:i:c:p:1-6
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2017.03.035
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    VARMA; VAR; DSGE; Impulse response analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models

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