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Nowcasting Inflation

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Listed:
  • Edward S. Knotek
  • Saeed Zaman

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the mixed-frequency methods commonly used for nowcasting inflation. It discusses the importance of key high-frequency data in producing timely and accurate inflation nowcasts. In the US, consensus surveys of professional forecasters have historically provided an accurate benchmark for inflation nowcasts because they incorporate professional judgment to capture idiosyncratic factors driving inflation. Using real-time data, we show that a relatively parsimonious mixed-frequency model produces superior point and density nowcasting accuracy for headline inflation and competitive nowcasting accuracy for core inflation compared with surveys of professional forecasters over a long sample spanning 1999–2022 and over a short sample focusing on the period since the start of the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward S. Knotek & Saeed Zaman, 2024. "Nowcasting Inflation," Working Papers 24-06, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedcwq:97908
    DOI: 10.26509/frbc-wp-202406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Modugno, Michele, 2013. "Now-casting inflation using high frequency data," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 664-675.
    4. Michael W. McCracken & Michael T. Owyang & Tatevik Sekhposyan, 2021. "Real-Time Forecasting and Scenario Analysis Using a Large Mixed-Frequency Bayesian VAR," International Journal of Central Banking, International Journal of Central Banking, vol. 17(71), pages 1-41, December.
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    6. Barış Soybilgen & M. Ege Yazgan & Hüseyin Kaya, 2023. "Nowcasting Turkish Food Inflation Using Daily Online Prices," Journal of Business Cycle Research, Springer;Centre for International Research on Economic Tendency Surveys (CIRET), vol. 19(2), pages 171-190, September.
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    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E3 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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