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An Empirical Evaluation of Some Long-Horizon Macroeconomic Forecasts

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  • Kurt Graden Lunsford
  • Kenneth D. West

Abstract

We use long-run annual cross-country data for 10 macroeconomic variables to evaluate the long-horizon forecast distributions of six forecasting models. The variables we use range from ones having little serial correlation to ones having persistence consistent with unit roots. Our forecasting models include simple time series models and frequency domain models developed in Müller and Watson (2016). For plausibly stationary variables, an AR(1) model and a frequency domain model that does not require the user to take a stand on the order of integration appear reasonably well calibrated for forecast horizons of 10 and 25 years. For plausibly non-stationary variables, a random walk model appears reasonably well calibrated for forecast horizons of 10 and 25 years. No model appears well calibrated for forecast horizons of 50 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Graden Lunsford & Kenneth D. West, 2024. "An Empirical Evaluation of Some Long-Horizon Macroeconomic Forecasts," Working Papers 24-20, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcwq:98821
    DOI: 10.26509/frbc-wp-202420
    Note: Has appendix.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fractional integration; forecast interval; low frequency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E17 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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