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Signing Out Confounding Shocks in Variance-Maximizing Identification Methods

Author

Listed:
  • Neville Francis
  • Gene Kindberg-Hanlon

Abstract

Recent papers have examined the dominant drivers of business cycles using variance-maximizing techniques for identification. However, identification is poor when shocks other than the target of interest play large roles in driving volatility at the targeted frequency or horizon, leading them to capture a "hybrid" shock. This paper suggests a simple fix that lowers biases in the impulse responses. The fix is to include theoretically informed sign and magnitude restrictions at the identification stage of the vector autoregression. Applying this to US data, we find an equal role for demand and supply shocks in generating business cycle fluctuations.

Suggested Citation

  • Neville Francis & Gene Kindberg-Hanlon, 2022. "Signing Out Confounding Shocks in Variance-Maximizing Identification Methods," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 112, pages 476-480, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:112:y:2022:p:476-80
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221046
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frank Smets & Rafael Wouters, 2007. "Shocks and Frictions in US Business Cycles: A Bayesian DSGE Approach," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 97(3), pages 586-606, June.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Fève, Patrick & Moura, Alban, 2025. "Measuring business cycles using vars," TSE Working Papers 25-1673, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    2. Granese, Antonio, 2026. "Two main business cycle shocks are better than one," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles

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