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Small versus big-data factor extraction in Dynamic Factor Models: An empirical assessment

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  • Poncela, Pilar

Abstract

In the context of Dynamic Factor Models (DFM), we compare point and interval estimates of the underlying unobserved factors extracted using small and big-data procedures. Our paper differs from previous works in the related literature in several ways. First, we focus on factor extraction rather than on prediction of a given variable in the system. Second, the comparisons are carried out by implementing the procedures considered to the same data. Third, we are interested not only on point estimates but also on confidence intervals for the factors. Based on a simulated system and the macroeconomic data set popularized by Stock and Watson (2012), we show that, for a given procedure, factor estimates based on different cross-sectional dimensions are highly correlated. On the other hand, given the cross-sectional dimension, the Maximum Likelihood Kalman filter and smoother (KFS) factor estimates are highly correlated with those obtained using hybrid Principal Components (PC) and KFS procedures. The PC estimates are somehow less correlated. Finally, the PC intervals based on asymptotic approximations are unrealistically tiny.

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  • Poncela, Pilar, 2015. "Small versus big-data factor extraction in Dynamic Factor Models: An empirical assessment," DES - Working Papers. Statistics and Econometrics. WS ws1502, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Estadística.
    • Handle: RePEc:cte:wsrepe:ws1502
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    Cited by:

    1. Poncela, Pilar, 2021. "Dynamic factor models: does the specification matter?," DES - Working Papers. Statistics and Econometrics. WS 32210, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Estadística.
    2. Francisco Corona & Pilar Poncela & Esther Ruiz, 2017. "Determining the number of factors after stationary univariate transformations," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 53(1), pages 351-372, August.
    3. Karen Miranda & Pilar Poncela & Esther Ruiz, 2022. "Dynamic factor models: Does the specification matter?," SERIEs: Journal of the Spanish Economic Association, Springer;Spanish Economic Association, vol. 13(1), pages 397-428, May.
    4. Poncela, Pilar & Ruiz, Esther, 2020. "A comment on the dynamic factor model with dynamic factors," Economics Discussion Papers 2020-7, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
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    6. Francisco Corona & Pilar Poncela & Esther Ruiz, 2020. "Estimating Non-stationary Common Factors: Implications for Risk Sharing," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 55(1), pages 37-60, January.
    7. Kaufmann, Daniel & Scheufele, Rolf, 2017. "Business tendency surveys and macroeconomic fluctuations," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 878-893.
    8. Alonso, Andrés M. & Galeano, Pedro & Peña, Daniel, 2020. "A robust procedure to build dynamic factor models with cluster structure," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 216(1), pages 35-52.
    9. Francisco Corona & Pedro Orraca, 2019. "Remittances in Mexico and their unobserved components," The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(8), pages 1047-1066, November.
    10. Francisco Corona & Graciela Gonz'alez-Far'ias & Jes'us L'opez-P'erez, 2021. "A nowcasting approach to generate timely estimates of Mexican economic activity: An application to the period of COVID-19," Papers 2101.10383, arXiv.org.

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    Keywords

    Confidence intervals;

    JEL classification:

    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis

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