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Real-time forecasting in a data-rich environment

Author

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  • LIEBERMANN, JOELLE
Abstract
This paper assesses the ability of different models to forecast key real and nominal U.S. monthly macroeconomic variables in a data-rich environment and from the perspective of a real-time forecaster, i.e. taking into account the real-time data revisions process and data flow. We find that for the real variables predictability is confined over the recent recession/crisis period. This is in line with the findings of D’Agostino and Giannone (2012) that gains in relative performance of models using large datasets over univariate models are driven by downturn periods which are characterized by higher comovements. Regarding inflation, results are stable across time, but predictability is mainly found at the very short-term horizons. Inflation is known to be hard to forecast, but by exploiting timely information one obtains gains at nowcasting and forecasting one-month ahead, especially with Bayesian VARs. Furthermore, for both real and nominal variables, the direct pooling of information using a high dimensional model (dynamic factor model or Bayesian VAR) which takes into account the cross-correlation between the variables and efficiently deals with the “ragged edge”structure of the dataset, yields more accurate forecasts than the indirect pooling of bi-variate forecasts/models.

Suggested Citation

  • Liebermann, Joelle, 2012. "Real-time forecasting in a data-rich environment," MPRA Paper 39452, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:39452
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bańbura, Marta & Giannone, Domenico & Modugno, Michele & Reichlin, Lucrezia, 2013. "Now-Casting and the Real-Time Data Flow," Handbook of Economic Forecasting, in: G. Elliott & C. Granger & A. Timmermann (ed.), Handbook of Economic Forecasting, edition 1, volume 2, chapter 0, pages 195-237, Elsevier.
    2. Červená, Marianna & Schneider, Martin, 2014. "Short-term forecasting of GDP with a DSGE model augmented by monthly indicators," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 498-516.
    3. Jansen, W. Jos & Jin, Xiaowen & de Winter, Jasper M., 2016. "Forecasting and nowcasting real GDP: Comparing statistical models and subjective forecasts," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 411-436.
    4. Breitung, Jörg & Eickmeier, Sandra, 2014. "Analyzing business and financial cycles using multi-level factor models," Discussion Papers 11/2014, Deutsche Bundesbank.
    5. Daniel Armeanu & Jean Vasile Andrei & Leonard Lache & Mirela Panait, 2017. "A multifactor approach to forecasting Romanian gross domestic product (GDP) in the short run," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(7), pages 1-23, July.
    6. Breitung, Jörg & Eickmeier, Sandra, 2015. "Analyzing business cycle asymmetries in a multi-level factor model," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 31-34.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Real-time data; Nowcasting; Forecasting; Factor model; Bayesian VAR; Forecast pooling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General

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