Testing and estimating the rank of a matrix of estimated parameters is key in a large variety of econometric modelling scenarios. This paper describes general methods to test for and estimate the rank of a matrix, and provides details on a variety of modelling scenarios in the econometrics literature where such methods are required. Four different methods to test the true rank of a general matrix are described, as well as one method that can handle the case of a matrix subject to parameter constraints associated with defineteness structures. The technical requirements for the implementation of the tests of rank of a general matrix differ and hence there are merits to all of them that justify their use in applied work. Nonetheless, we review available evidence of their small sample properties in the context of different modelling scenarios where all, or some, are applicable. JEL Classification: C12, C15, C32.
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
file. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Publisher Info
Paper provided by European Central Bank in its series Working Paper Series with number
850.