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Real-Time Forecasting with a MIDAS VAR

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Abstract

This paper presents a MIDAS type mixed frequency VAR forecasting model. First, we propose a general and compact mixed frequency VAR framework using a stacked vector approach. Second, we integrate the mixed frequency VAR with a MIDAS type Almon lag polynomial scheme which is designed to reduce the parameter space while keeping models flexible. We show how to recast the resulting non-linear MIDAS type mixed frequency VAR into a linear equation system that can be easily estimated. A pseudo out-of-sample forecasting exercise with US real-time data yields that mixed frequency VAR substantially improves predictive accuracy upon a standard VAR for different VAR specifications. Forecast errors for, e.g., GDP growth decrease by 30 to 60 percent for forecast horizons up to six months and by around 20 percent for a forecast horizon of one year.

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  • Heiner F. Mikosch & Stefan Neuwirth, 2015. "Real-Time Forecasting with a MIDAS VAR," KOF Working papers 15-377, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:kof:wpskof:15-377
    DOI: 10.3929/ethz-a-010414894
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    1. Karlsson, Sune, 2013. "Forecasting with Bayesian Vector Autoregression," Handbook of Economic Forecasting, in: G. Elliott & C. Granger & A. Timmermann (ed.), Handbook of Economic Forecasting, edition 1, volume 2, chapter 0, pages 791-897, Elsevier.
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    Cited by:

    1. Markus Heinrich & Magnus Reif, 2018. "Forecasting using mixed-frequency VARs with time-varying parameters," ifo Working Paper Series 273, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    2. Magnus Reif, 2020. "Macroeconomics, Nonlinearities, and the Business Cycle," ifo Beiträge zur Wirtschaftsforschung, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, number 87.
    3. Gani Ramadani & Magdalena Petrovska & Vesna Bucevska, 2021. "Evaluation of mixed frequency approaches for tracking near-term economic developments in North Macedonia," Working Papers 2021-03, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia.
    4. Boriss Siliverstovs, 2020. "Assessing nowcast accuracy of US GDP growth in real time: the role of booms and busts," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 7-27, January.
    5. Ramadani Gani & Petrovska Magdalena & Bucevska Vesna, 2021. "Evaluation of Mixed Frequency Approaches for Tracking Near-Term Economic Developments in North Macedonia," South East European Journal of Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 16(2), pages 43-52, December.
    6. Gary Koop & Stuart McIntyre & James Mitchell, 2018. "UK regional nowcasting using a mixed frequency vector autoregressive model," Working Papers 1805, University of Strathclyde Business School, Department of Economics.
    7. Gary Koop & Stuart McIntyre & James Mitchell, 2020. "UK regional nowcasting using a mixed frequency vector auto‐regressive model with entropic tilting," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 183(1), pages 91-119, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Forecasting; Mixed frequency data; MIDAS; VAR; Real time;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E27 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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