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Artificial Intelligence and Inflation Forecasts

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Abstract

We explore the ability of large language models (LLMs) to produce in-sample conditional inflation forecasts during the 2019–23 period. We use a leading LLM (Google AI’s PaLM) to produce distributions of conditional forecasts at different horizons and compare these forecasts to those of a leading source, the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF). We find that LLM forecasts generate lower mean-squared errors overall in most years and at almost all horizons. LLM forecasts exhibit slower reversion to the 2 percent inflation anchor.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Faria-e-Castro & Fernando Leibovici, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence and Inflation Forecasts," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 106(12), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedlrv:99416
    DOI: 10.20955/r.2024.12
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    1. John J. Horton, 2023. "Large Language Models as Simulated Economic Agents: What Can We Learn from Homo Silicus?," NBER Working Papers 31122, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. John J. Horton, 2023. "Large Language Models as Simulated Economic Agents: What Can We Learn from Homo Silicus?," Papers 2301.07543, arXiv.org.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Gao & Xiaochong Lan & Nian Li & Yuan Yuan & Jingtao Ding & Zhilun Zhou & Fengli Xu & Yong Li, 2024. "Large language models empowered agent-based modeling and simulation: a survey and perspectives," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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