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Testable implications of forecast optimality

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  • Patton, Andrew J.
  • Timmermann, Allan

Abstract

Evaluation of forecast optimality in economics and finance has almost exclusively been conducted on the assumption of mean squared error loss under which forecasts should be unbiased and forecast errors serially uncorrelated at the single period horizon with increasing variance as the forecast horizon grows. This paper considers properties of optimal forecasts under general loss functions and establishes new testable implications of forecast optimality. These hold when the forecaster’s loss function is unknown but testable restrictions can be imposed on the data generating process, trading off conditions on the data generating process against conditions on the loss function. Finally, we propose flexible parametric estimation of the forecaster’s loss function, and obtain a test of forecast optimality via a test of over-identifying restrictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Patton, Andrew J. & Timmermann, Allan, 2005. "Testable implications of forecast optimality," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 6834, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:6834
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    Cited by:

    1. Aretz, Kevin & Bartram, Söhnke M. & Pope, Peter F., 2011. "Asymmetric loss functions and the rationality of expected stock returns," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 413-437.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    forecast evaluation; loss function; rationality tests.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes

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