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Efficient VAR Discretization

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  • Grey Gordon

Abstract

The standard approach to discretizing VARs uses tensor grids. However, when the VAR components exhibit significant unconditional correlations or when there are more than a few variables, this approach creates large inefficiencies because some discretized states will be visited with only vanishingly small probability. I propose pruning these low-probability states, thereby constructing an efficient grid. I investigate how much an efficient grid improves accuracy in the context of an AR(2) model and a small-scale New Keynesian model featuring four shocks. In both contexts, the efficient grid vastly increases accuracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Grey Gordon, 2020. "Efficient VAR Discretization," Working Paper 20-06, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedrwp:88431
    DOI: 10.21144/wp20-06
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    1. Gordon, Grey & Guerron-Quintana, Pablo, 2024. "On regional borrowing, default, and migration," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    VAR; Autoregressive; Discretization; New Keynesian;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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