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Does aggregating forecasts by CPI component improve inflation forecast accuracy in South Africa?

Author

Listed:
  • Muellbauer, John
  • Aron, Janine
Abstract
Inflation is a far from homogeneous phenomenon, a fact often neglected in modelling consumer price inflation. This study, the first of its kind for an emerging market country, investigates gains to inflation forecast accuracy by aggregating weighted forecasts of the sub-component price indices, versus forecasting the aggregate consumer price index itself. Rich multivariate equilibrium correction models employ general and sectoral information for ten sub-components, taking account of structural breaks and institutional changes. Model selection is over 1979-2003, with pseudo out-of-sample forecasts, four-quarters-ahead, generated to 2007. Aggregating the weighted forecasts of the sub-components does outperform the aggregate CPI forecasts, and also offers substantial gains over forecasting using benchmark naïve models. The analysis also contributes an improved understanding of sectoral inflationary pressures. This forecasting method should be more robust to the regular reweighting of the CPI index.

Suggested Citation

  • Muellbauer, John & Aron, Janine, 2010. "Does aggregating forecasts by CPI component improve inflation forecast accuracy in South Africa?," CEPR Discussion Papers 7895, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:7895
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sectoral inflation; Cpi sub-components; Error correction models; Evaluating forecasts; Model selection; Multivariate time series; Disaggregation;
    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
    • 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
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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