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Let's Fix It: Fixed-b Asymptotics versus Small-b Asymptotics in Heteroscedasticity and Autocorrelation Robust Inference

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  • Sun, Yixiao

Abstract

In the presence of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation of unknown forms, the covariance matrix of the parameter estimator is often estimated using a nonparametric kernel method that involves a lag truncation parameter. Depending on whether this lag truncation parameter is specified to grow at a slower rate than or the same rate as the sample size, we obtain two types of asymptotic approximations: the small-b asymptotics and the fixed-b asymptotics. Using techniques for probability distribution approximation and high order expansions, this paper shows that the fixed-b asymptotic approximation provides a higher order refinement to the first order small-b asymptotics. This result provides a theoretical justification on the use of the fixed-b asymptotics in empirical applications. On the basis of the fixed-b asymptotics and higher order small-b asymptotics, the paper introduces a new and easy-to-use asymptotic F test that employs a finite sample corrected Wald statistic and uses an F-distribution as the reference distribution. Finally, the paper develops a bandwidth selection rule that is testing-optimal in that the bandwidth minimizes the type II error of the asymptotic F test while controlling for its type I error. Monte Carlo simulations show that the asymptotic F test with the testing-optimal bandwidth works very well in finite samples.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Yixiao, 2013. "Let's Fix It: Fixed-b Asymptotics versus Small-b Asymptotics in Heteroscedasticity and Autocorrelation Robust Inference," University of California at San Diego, Economics Working Paper Series qt8x8307rz, Department of Economics, UC San Diego.
  • Handle: RePEc:cdl:ucsdec:qt8x8307rz
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    1. Gao, Jiti & Gijbels, Irène, 2008. "Bandwidth Selection in Nonparametric Kernel Testing," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1584-1594.
    2. Sun, Yixiao, 2011. "Robust trend inference with series variance estimator and testing-optimal smoothing parameter," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 164(2), pages 345-366, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Physical Sciences and Mathematics; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Asymptotic expansion; F-distribution; Heteroskedasticity and Autocorrelation Robust; long-run variance; robust standard error; testing-optimal smoothing parameter choice; type I and type II errors.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: 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
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation

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