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Alternative tests for correct specification of conditional predictive densities

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  • Rossi, Barbara
  • Sekhposyan, Tatevik

Abstract

We propose a new framework for evaluating predictive densities in an environment where the estimation error of the parameters used to construct the densities is preserved asymptotically under the null hypothesis. The tests offer a simple way to evaluate the correct specification of predictive densities, where both the model specification and its estimation technique are evaluated jointly. Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that our tests are well sized and have good power in detecting misspecification. An empirical application to density forecasts of the Survey of Professional Forecasters shows the usefulness of our methodology.

Suggested Citation

  • Rossi, Barbara & Sekhposyan, Tatevik, 2019. "Alternative tests for correct specification of conditional predictive densities," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 208(2), pages 638-657.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:208:y:2019:i:2:p:638-657
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2018.07.008
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Predictive density; Probability integral transform; Kolmogorov–Smirnov test; Cramér–von Mises test; Forecast evaluation;
    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
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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