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An approach to increasing forecast-combination accuracy through VAR error modeling

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  • Till Weigt
  • Bernd Wilfling

Abstract

We consider a situation in which the forecaster has available M individual forecasts of a univariate target variable. We propose a 3-step procedure designed to exploit the interrelationships among the M forecast-error series (estimated from a large time-varying parameter VAR model of the errors, using past observations) with the aim of obtaining more accurate predictions of future forecast errors. The refined future forecast-error predictions are then used to obtain M new individual forecasts that are adapted to the information from the estimated VAR. The adapted M individual forecasts are ultimately combined and any potential accuracy gains of the adapted combination forecasts analyzed. We evaluate our approach in an out-of-sample forecasting analysis, using a well-established 7-country data set on output growth. Our 3-step procedure yields substantial accuracy gains (in terms of loss reductions ranging between 6.2% up to 18%) for the simple average and three time-varying-parameter combination forecasts.

Suggested Citation

  • Till Weigt & Bernd Wilfling, 2018. "An approach to increasing forecast-combination accuracy through VAR error modeling," CQE Working Papers 6818, Center for Quantitative Economics (CQE), University of Muenster.
  • Handle: RePEc:cqe:wpaper:6818
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Verena Monschang & Bernd Wilfling, 2022. "A procedure for upgrading linear-convex combination forecasts with an application to volatility prediction," CQE Working Papers 9722, Center for Quantitative Economics (CQE), University of Muenster.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Forecast combinations; large time-varying parameter VARs; Bayesian VAR estimation; state-space model; forgetting factors; dynamic model averaging.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • 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
    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General

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