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MSTest: An R-Package for Testing Markov Switching Models

Author

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  • Gabriel Rodriguez Rondon
  • Jean-Marie Dufour

Abstract

We present the R package MSTest, which implements hypothesis testing procedures to determine the number of regimes in Markov switching models. These models have wide ranging applications in economics, finance, and many other fields. MSTest provides several testing frameworks, including Monte Carlo likelihood ratio tests (Rodriguez-Rondon and Dufour (2025)), moment-based tests (Dufour and Luger (2017)), parameter stability tests (Carrasco et al. (2014)), and classical likelihood ratio procedures (Hansen (1992)). In addition, the package offers tools for simulating and estimating univariate and multivariate Markov switching and hidden Markov models using either the expectation–maximization algorithm or maximum likelihood estimation. The functionality of the package is demonstrated through simulation-based examples.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Rodriguez Rondon & Jean-Marie Dufour, 2026. "MSTest: An R-Package for Testing Markov Switching Models," Staff Working Papers 26-7, Bank of Canada.
    • Handle: RePEc:bca:bocawp:26-7
    DOI: 10.34989/swp-2026-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • C87 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Econometric Software

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