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A look into the factor model black box: publication lags and the role of hard and soft data in forecasting GDP

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  • Rünstler, Gerhard
  • Bańbura, Marta

Abstract

We derive forecast weights and uncertainty measures for assessing the role of individual series in a dynamic factor model (DFM) to forecast euro area GDP from monthly indicators. The use of the Kalman filter allows us to deal with publication lags when calculating the above measures. We find that surveys and financial data contain important information beyond the monthly real activity measures for the GDP forecasts. However, this is discovered only, if their more timely publication is properly taken into account. Differences in publication lags play a very important role and should be considered in forecast evaluation. JEL Classification: E37, C53

Suggested Citation

  • Rünstler, Gerhard & Bańbura, Marta, 2007. "A look into the factor model black box: publication lags and the role of hard and soft data in forecasting GDP," Working Paper Series 751, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:2007751
    Note: 339116
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dynamic factor models; filter weights; forecasting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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