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Testing shock independence in Gaussian structural VARs

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We propose specification tests for Gaussian SVAR models identified with short- and long-run restrictions that assess the theoretical justification of the chosen identification scheme by checking the independence of the structural shocks. We consider both moment tests that focus on their coskewness and cokurtosis and contingency table tests with discrete and continuous grids. Our simulations confirm the finite sample reliability of resampling versions of our proposals, and their power against interesting alternatives. We also apply them to two influential studies: Kilian (2009) with short-run restrictions in oil markets and Blanchard and Quah (1989) with long-run ones for the aggregate economy.

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  • Dante Amengual & Gabriele Fiorentini & Enrique Sentana, 2025. "Testing shock independence in Gaussian structural VARs," Working Papers wp2025_2532, CEMFI.
    • Handle: RePEc:cmf:wpaper:wp2025_2532
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    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
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy

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