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Testing for Relative Predictive Accuracy: A Critical Viewpoint

Author

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  • Kunst, Robert M.

    (Department of Economics and Finance, Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna)

Abstract

Tests for relative predictive accuracy have become a widespread addendum to forecast comparisons. Many empirical research reports conclude that the difference between the entertained forecasting models is 'insignificant'. This paper collects arguments that cast doubt on the usefulness of relative predictive accuracy tests. The main point is not that test power is too low but that their application is conceptually mistaken. The features are highlighted by means of some Monte Carlo experiments for simple time-series decision problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Kunst, Robert M., 2003. "Testing for Relative Predictive Accuracy: A Critical Viewpoint," Economics Series 130, Institute for Advanced Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ihs:ihsesp:130
    as

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    File URL: https://irihs.ihs.ac.at/id/eprint/1489
    File Function: First version, 2003
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fildes, Robert & Stekler, Herman, 2002. "The state of macroeconomic forecasting," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 435-468, December.
    2. Diebold, Francis X & Mariano, Roberto S, 2002. "Comparing Predictive Accuracy," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, American Statistical Association, vol. 20(1), pages 134-144, January.
    3. Tashman, Leonard J., 2000. "Out-of-sample tests of forecasting accuracy: an analysis and review," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 16(4), pages 437-450.
    4. Robert Kunst, 1997. "Augmented ARCH models for financial time series: stability conditions and empirical evidence," Applied Financial Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(6), pages 575-586.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Andreas Brunhart, 2014. "Stock Market's Reactions to Revelation of Tax Evasion: An Empirical Assessment," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 150(III), pages 161-190, September.
    2. repec:onb:oenbwp:y::i:89:b:1 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Jean-Stephane Mesonnier, 2011. "The forecasting power of real interest rate gaps: an assessment for the Euro area," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(2), pages 153-172.
    4. Maria Antoinette Silgoner, 2005. "An Overview of European Economic Indicators: Great Variety of Data on the Euro Area, Need for More Extensive Coverage of the New EU Member States," Monetary Policy & the Economy, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), issue 3, pages 66-89.
    5. Jean-Stéphane MESONNIER, 2007. "The predictive content of the real interest rate gap for macroeconomic variables in the euro area," Money Macro and Finance (MMF) Research Group Conference 2006 102, Money Macro and Finance Research Group.
    6. Andreas Breitenfellner & Jesus Crespo Cuaresma, 2008. "Crude Oil Prices and the USD/EUR Exchange Rate," Monetary Policy & the Economy, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), issue 4.
    7. Jesús Crespo Cuaresma & Ernest Gnan & Doris Ritzberger-Grünwald, 2005. "The Term Structure as a Predictor of Real Activity and Inflation in the Euro Area: A Reassessment," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 141(2), pages 318-342, July.
    8. Mariola Pilatowska, 2011. "Information and Prediction Criteria in Selecting the Forecasting Model," Dynamic Econometric Models, Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika, vol. 11, pages 21-40.
    9. Moser, Gabriel & Rumler, Fabio & Scharler, Johann, 2007. "Forecasting Austrian inflation," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 24(3), pages 470-480, May.
    10. Marcelo Moura, 2010. "Testing the Taylor Model Predictability for Exchange Rates in Latin America," Open Economies Review, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 547-564, September.
    11. Moura, Marcelo L. , & Lima, Adauto R. S. & Mendonça, Rodrigo M., 2008. "Exchange Rate and Fundamentals: The Case of Brazil," Insper Working Papers wpe_114, Insper Working Paper, Insper Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa.
    12. Mésonnier, J-S., 2006. "The Reliability of Macroeconomic Forecasts based on Real Interest Rate Gap Estimates in Real Time: an Assessment for the Euro Area," Working papers 157, Banque de France.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information criteria; Forecasting; Hypothesis testing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • 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
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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