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Macroeconomic Forecasting with Mixed Frequency Data : Forecasting US output growth and inflation

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  • Clements, Michael P

    (Department of Economics, University of Warwick)

  • Galvão, Ana Beatriz

    (Bank of Portugal)

Abstract

Although many macroeconomic series such as US real output growth are sampled quarterly, many potentially useful predictors are observed at a higher frequency. We look at whether a recently developed mixed data-frequency sampling (MIDAS) approach can improve forecasts of output growth and inflation. We carry out a number of related real-time forecast comparisons using various indicators as explanatory variables. We find that MIDAS model forecasts of output growth are more accurate at horizons less than one quarter using coincident indicators ; that MIDAS models are an effective way of combining information from multiple indicators ; and that the forecast accuracy of the unemployment-rate Phillips curve for inflation is enhanced using the MIDAS approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Clements, Michael P & Galvão, Ana Beatriz, 2006. "Macroeconomic Forecasting with Mixed Frequency Data : Forecasting US output growth and inflation," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 773, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:773
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    Cited by:

    1. Galvão, Ana Beatriz, 2013. "Changes in predictive ability with mixed frequency data," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 395-410.
    2. Afees A. Salisu & Ahamuefula Ephraim Ogbonna, 2017. "Improving the Predictive ability of oil for inflation: An ADL-MIDAS Approach," Working Papers 025, Centre for Econometric and Allied Research, University of Ibadan.
    3. C. Emre Alper & Salih Fendoglu & Burak Saltoglu, 2009. "MIDAS Volatility Forecast Performance Under Market Stress: Evidence from Emerging and Developed Stock Markets," Working Papers 2009/04, Bogazici University, Department of Economics.
    4. Anthony S. Tay, 2006. "Mixing Frequencies : Stock Returns as a Predictor of Real Output Growth," Macroeconomics Working Papers 22480, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    5. Galvão, Ana Beatriz, 2013. "Changes in predictive ability with mixed frequency data," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 395-410.
    6. Anthony S. Tay, 2007. "Financial Variables as Predictors of Real Output Growth," Development Economics Working Papers 22482, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    7. Alper, C. Emre & Fendoglu, Salih & Saltoglu, Burak, 2008. "Forecasting Stock Market Volatilities Using MIDAS Regressions: An Application to the Emerging Markets," MPRA Paper 7460, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Mihaela Bratu, 2012. "A Strategy to Improve the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) Predictions Using Bias-Corrected-Accelerated (BCA) Bootstrap Forecast Intervals," International Journal of Synergy and Research, ToKnowPress, vol. 1(2), pages 45-59.
    9. Asgharian, Hossein & Hou, Ai Jun & Javed, Farrukh, 2013. "Importance of the macroeconomic variables for variance prediction A GARCH-MIDAS approach," Knut Wicksell Working Paper Series 2013/4, Lund University, Knut Wicksell Centre for Financial Studies.
    10. Emilian DOBRESCU, 2020. "Self-fulfillment degree of economic expectations within an integrated space: The European Union case study," Journal for Economic Forecasting, Institute for Economic Forecasting, vol. 0(4), pages 5-32, December.
    11. Yun-Yeong Kim, 2016. "Dynamic Analyses Using VAR Model with Mixed Frequency Data through Observable Representation," Korean Economic Review, Korean Economic Association, vol. 32, pages 41-75.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data frequency ; multiple predictors ; combination ; real-time forecasting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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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