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Sparse and Robust Factor Modelling

Author

Listed:
  • Christophe Croux

    (K.U. Leuven, Belgium)

  • Peter Exterkate

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

Factor construction methods are widely used to summarize a large panel of variables by means of a relatively small number of representative factors. We propose a novel factor construction procedure that enjoys the properties of robustness to outliers and of sparsity; that is, having relatively few nonzero factor loadings. Compared to more traditional factor construction methods, we find that this procedure leads to better interpretable factors and to a favorable forecasting performance, both in a Monte Carlo experiment and in two empirical applications to large data sets, one from macroeconomics and one from microeconomics.

Suggested Citation

  • Christophe Croux & Peter Exterkate, 2011. "Sparse and Robust Factor Modelling," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 11-122/4, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20110122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Carlos Cesar Trucios-Maza & João H. G Mazzeu & Luis K. Hotta & Pedro L. Valls Pereira & Marc Hallin, 2019. "On the robustness of the general dynamic factor model with infinite-dimensional space: identification, estimation, and forecasting," Working Papers ECARES 2019-32, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    2. Thomas Despois & Catherine Doz, 2021. "Identifying and interpreting the factors in factor models via sparsity: Different approaches," PSE Working Papers halshs-02235543, HAL.
    3. Thomas Despois & Catherine Doz, 2022. "Identifying and interpreting the factors in factor models via sparsity : Different approaches," Working Papers halshs-03626503, HAL.
    4. Smeekes, Stephan & Wijler, Etienne, 2018. "Macroeconomic forecasting using penalized regression methods," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 408-430.
    5. Kristensen Johannes Tang, 2014. "Factor-based forecasting in the presence of outliers: Are factors better selected and estimated by the median than by the mean?," Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics & Econometrics, De Gruyter, vol. 18(3), pages 309-338, May.
    6. Thomas Despois & Catherine Doz, 2022. "Identifying and interpreting the factors in factor models via sparsity : Different approaches," PSE Working Papers halshs-03626503, HAL.
    7. Thomas Despois & Catherine Doz, 2021. "Identifying and interpreting the factors in factor models via sparsity: Different approaches," Working Papers halshs-02235543, HAL.
    8. Johannes Tang Kristensen, 2013. "Diffusion Indexes with Sparse Loadings," CREATES Research Papers 2013-22, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dimension reduction; forecasting; outliers; regularization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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