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Real-time GDP forecasting in the euro area

Author

Listed:
  • Alberto Baffigi

    (Bank of Italy, Economic Research Department)

  • Roberto Golinelli

    (University of Bologna, Department of Economics)

  • Giuseppe Parigi

    (Bank of Italy, Economic Research Department)

Abstract

Quantitative information on the current state of the economy is crucial to economic policy-making, but the quarterly national accounts data for GDP in the euro area are released with a significant delay. This paper presents alternative models for the real-time forecasting of euro area GDP and assesses their performance. We estimate univariate/multivariate statistical models, bridge models (systems of autoregressive distributed lags equations with indicators) and a small structural model. The models are estimated for aggregate GDP and components both area-wide and for the three main countries. They are estimated and tested for the period 1980-1999. Data from 1999 to 2001 are used to compare the forecasting ability, gauged by rolling-origin one-step-ahead errors.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Baffigi & Roberto Golinelli & Giuseppe Parigi, 2002. "Real-time GDP forecasting in the euro area," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 456, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_456_02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Castilla, Adolfo, 2015. "Proyecto LINK y Econometría de Alta Frecuencia: Las últimas aportaciones econométricas de Lawrence R. Klein /LINK Project and High Frequency Econometrics: Recent Econometric Contributions of Lawrence ," Estudios de Economia Aplicada, Estudios de Economia Aplicada, vol. 33, pages 421-450, Mayo.
    7. Bruno, Giancarlo & Lupi, Claudio, 2003. "Forecasting Euro-Area Industrial Production Using (Mostly) Business Surveys Data," MPRA Paper 42332, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Oliver Hülsewig & Johannes Mayr & Stéphane Sorbe, 2007. "Assessing the Forecast Properties of the CESifo World Economic Climate Indicator: Evidence for the Euro Area," ifo Working Paper Series 46, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    9. Heinisch, Katja, 2024. "Step by step - A quarterly evaluation of EU Commission's GDP forecasts," IWH Discussion Papers 22/2024, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    10. Paolo Angelini & Paolo Del Giovane & Stefano Siviero & Daniele Terlizzese, 2002. "Monetary Policy Rules for the Euro Area: What Role for National Information?," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 457, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    11. Rünstler, Gerhard & Sédillot, Franck, 2003. "Short-term estimates of euro area real GDP by means of monthly data," Working Paper Series 276, European Central Bank.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    short-term GDP forecast; bridge model; out-of-sample forecasting accuracy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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