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Using Survey Data to Forecast Real Activity with Evolutionary Algorithms. a Cross-Country Analysis

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  • Oscar Claveria
  • Enric Monte
  • Salvador Torra

Abstract

In this study we use survey expectations about a wide range of economic variables to forecast real activity. We propose an empirical approach to derive mathematical functional forms that link survey expectations to economic growth. Combining symbolic regression with genetic programming we generate two survey-based indicators: a perceptions index, using agents' assessments about the present, and an expectations index with their expectations about the future. In order to find the optimal combination of both indexes that best replicates the evolution of economic activity in each country we use a portfolio management procedure known as index tracking. By means of a generalized reduced gradient algorithm we derive the relative weights of both indexes. In most economies, the survey-based predictions generated with the composite indicator outperform the benchmark model for one-quarter ahead forecasts, although these improvements are only significant in Austria, Belgium and Portugal.

Suggested Citation

  • Oscar Claveria & Enric Monte & Salvador Torra, 2017. "Using Survey Data to Forecast Real Activity with Evolutionary Algorithms. a Cross-Country Analysis," Journal of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 329-349, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:recsxx:v:20:y:2017:i:2:p:329-349
    DOI: 10.1016/S1514-0326(17)30015-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Oscar Claveria & Enric Monte & Salvador Torra, 2018. "“Tracking economic growth by evolving expectations via genetic programming: A two-step approach”," AQR Working Papers 201801, University of Barcelona, Regional Quantitative Analysis Group, revised Jan 2018.
    2. Blanchflower, David G. & Bryson, Alex, 2021. "The Economics of Walking About and Predicting Unemployment," GLO Discussion Paper Series 922, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    3. Oscar Claveria & Enric Monte & Salvador Torra, 2020. "Spectral analysis of business and consumer survey data," IREA Working Papers 202006, University of Barcelona, Research Institute of Applied Economics, revised May 2020.
    4. Rui Luan & Ping Xu, 2024. "Risk Prediction of the Development of the Digital Economy Industry Based on a Machine Learning Model in the Context of Rural Revitalization," Information Resources Management Journal (IRMJ), IGI Global, vol. 37(1), pages 1-21, January.
    5. Sorić, Petar & Lolić, Ivana & Claveria, Oscar & Monte, Enric & Torra, Salvador, 2019. "Unemployment expectations: A socio-demographic analysis of the effect of news," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 64-74.
    6. Oscar Claveria, 2021. "Forecasting with Business and Consumer Survey Data," Forecasting, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-22, February.
    7. Blanchflower, David G. & Bryson, Alex, 2023. "Labour Market Expectations and Unemployment in Europe," IZA Discussion Papers 15905, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    8. Claveria, Oscar & Monte, Enric & Torra, Salvador, 2020. "Economic forecasting with evolved confidence indicators," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 576-585.
    9. Oscar Claveria & Enric Monte & Salvador Torra, 2021. "“Nowcasting and forecasting GDP growth with machine-learning sentiment indicators”," AQR Working Papers 202101, University of Barcelona, Regional Quantitative Analysis Group, revised Feb 2021.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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