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Local Projections or VARs? A Primer for Macroeconomists

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  • José Luis Montiel Olea
  • Mikkel Plagborg-Møller
  • Eric Qian
  • Christian K. Wolf

Abstract

What should applied macroeconomists know about local projection (LP) and vector autoregression (VAR) impulse response estimators? The two methods share the same estimand, but in finite samples lie on opposite ends of a bias-variance trade-off. While the low bias of LPs comes at a quite steep variance cost, this cost must be paid to achieve robust uncertainty assessments. Hence, when the goal is to convey what can be learned about dynamic causal effects from the data, VARs should only be used with long lag lengths, ensuring equivalence with LP. For LP estimation, we provide guidance on selection of lag length and controls, bias correction, and confidence interval construction.

Suggested Citation

  • José Luis Montiel Olea & Mikkel Plagborg-Møller & Eric Qian & Christian K. Wolf, 2025. "Local Projections or VARs? A Primer for Macroeconomists," NBER Working Papers 33871, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33871
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    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • 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

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