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Forecasting economic activity using a neural network in uncertain times: Monte Carlo evidence and application to the German GDP

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  • Holtemöller, Oliver
  • Kozyrev, Boris

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the forecasting and nowcasting performance of a generalized regression neural network (GRNN). We provide evidence from Monte Carlo simulations for the relative forecast performance of GRNN depending on the data-generating process. We show that GRNN outperforms an autoregressive benchmark model in many practically relevant cases. Then, we applied GRNN to forecast quarterly German GDP growth by extending univariate GRNN to multivariate and mixed-frequency settings. We could distinguish between "normal" times and situations where the time-series behavior is very different from "normal" times such as during the COVID-19 recession and recovery. GRNN was superior in terms of root mean forecast errors compared to an autoregressive model and to more sophisticated approaches such as dynamic factor models if applied appropriately.

Suggested Citation

  • Holtemöller, Oliver & Kozyrev, Boris, 2024. "Forecasting economic activity using a neural network in uncertain times: Monte Carlo evidence and application to the German GDP," IWH Discussion Papers 6/2024, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iwhdps:287749
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    forecasting; neural network; nowcasting; time series models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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