Is Forecasting with Large Models Informative? Assessing the Role of Judgement in Macroeconomic Forecasts
63 Pages Posted: 18 Nov 2008
Date Written: October 10, 2008
Abstract
We evaluate residual projection strategies in the context of a large-scale macro model of the euro area and smaller benchmark time-series models. The exercises attempt to measure the accuracy of model-based forecasts simulated both out-of-sample and in-sample. Both exercises incorporate alternative residual-projection methods, to assess the importance of unaccounted-for breaks in forecast accuracy and off-model judgment. Conclusions reached are that simple mechanical residual adjustments have a significant impact of forecasting accuracy irrespective of the model in use, ostensibly due to the presence of breaks in trends in the data. The testing procedure and conclusions are applicable to a wide class of models and thus of general interest.
Keywords: Macro-model, Forecast Projections, Out-of-Sample, In-Sample, Forecast Accuracy, Structural Break
JEL Classification: C52, E30, E32, E37
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation