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Robust inference for non-Gaussian SVAR models

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Abstract

All parameters in structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) models are locally identified when the structural shocks are independent and follow non-Gaussian distributions. Unfortunately, standard inference methods that exploit such features of the data for identification fail to yield correct coverage for structural functions of the model parameters when deviations from Gaussianity are small. To this extent, we propose a robust semi-parametric approach to conduct hypothesis tests and construct confidence sets for structural functions in SVAR models. The methodology fully exploits non-Gaussianity when it is present, but yields correct size / coverage regardless of the distance to the Gaussian distribution. Empirically we revisit two macroeconomic SVAR studies where we document mixed results. For the oil price model of Kilian and Murphy (2012) we find that non-Gaussianity can robustly identify reasonable confidence sets, whereas for the labour supply-demand model of Baumeister and Hamilton (2015) this is not the case. Moreover, these exercises highlight the importance of using weak identification robust methods to asses estimation uncertainty when using non-Gaussianity for identification.

Suggested Citation

  • Lukas Hoesch & Adam Lee & Geert Mesters, 2022. "Robust inference for non-Gaussian SVAR models," Economics Working Papers 1847, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
  • Handle: RePEc:upf:upfgen:1847
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    Cited by:

    1. Dante Amengual & Gabriele Fiorentini & Enrique Sentana, 2022. "Specification tests for non-Gaussian structural vector autoregressions," Working Papers wp2022_2212, CEMFI.
    2. Sascha A. Keweloh, 2023. "Structural Vector Autoregressions and Higher Moments: Challenges and Solutions in Small Samples," Papers 2310.08173, arXiv.org.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    weak identification; semi-parametric inference; hypothesis testing; impulse responses; independent component analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • C39 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Other
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation

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