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The output gap and expected security returns

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  • Biswas, Anindya

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of the output gap on market excess returns. The output gap is usually defined as the deviation of output from potential output that is indicated by the trend output. However, this study departs from the common approach of calculating the output gap based on a simple trend line. It uses a flexible data-driven weighting scheme, and it uses only the available information that corresponds to each forecasting origin to derive the output gap. Overall, the proposed output gap is a strong predictor of U.S. market excess returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Biswas, Anindya, 2014. "The output gap and expected security returns," Review of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 131-140.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:revfin:v:23:y:2014:i:3:p:131-140
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rfe.2014.04.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Market returns predictability; Output gap; Real-time data; MIDAS regression; Beta-weighting scheme;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

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