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Real Time Representations of the Output Gap

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony Garratt

    (Department of Economics, Mathematics & Statistics, Birkbeck)

  • Kevin Lee
  • Emi Mise
  • Kalvinder Shields

Abstract

Methods are described for the appropriate use of data obtained and analysed in real time to represent the output gap. The methods employ cointegrating VAR techniques to model real time measures and realisations of output series jointly. The model is used to mitigate the impact of data revisions; to generate appropriate forecasts that can deliver economically-meaningful output trends and that can take into account the end-of-sample problems associated with the use of the Hodrick-Prescott filter in measuring these trends; and to calculate probability forecasts that convey in a clear way the uncertainties associated with the gap measures. The methods are applied to data for the US 1965q4-2004q4 and the improvements over standard methods are illustrated.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Garratt & Kevin Lee & Emi Mise & Kalvinder Shields, 2006. "Real Time Representations of the Output Gap," Birkbeck Working Papers in Economics and Finance 0619, Birkbeck, Department of Economics, Mathematics & Statistics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bbk:bbkefp:0619
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    File URL: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/26924
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Output gap measurement; real time data; data revision; HP end-points; probability forecasts.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies

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