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Using low frequency information for predicting high frequency variables

Author

Listed:
  • Claudia Foroni

    (Norges Bank)

  • Pierre Guérin

    (Bank of Canada)

  • Massimiliano Marcellino

    (Bocconi University, IGIER and CEPR)

Abstract

We analyze how to incorporate low frequency information in models for predicting high frequency variables. In doing so, we introduce a new model, the reverse unrestricted MIDAS (RU-MIDAS), which has a periodic structure but can be estimated by simple least squares methods and used to produce forecasts of high frequency variables that also incorporate low frequency information. We compare this model with two versions of the mixed frequency VAR, which so far had been only applied to study the reverse problem, that is, using the high frequency information for predicting low frequency variables. We then implement a simulation study to evaluate the relative forecasting ability of the alternative models in finite samples. Finally, we conduct several empirical applications to assess the relevance of quarterly survey data for forecasting a set of monthly macroeconomic indicators. Overall, it turns out that low frequency information is important, particularly so when it is just released.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Foroni & Pierre Guérin & Massimiliano Marcellino, 2015. "Using low frequency information for predicting high frequency variables," Working Paper 2015/13, Norges Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:bno:worpap:2015_13
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mixed-Frequency VAR models; temporal aggregation; MIDAS models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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