Tests of Equal Accuracy for Nested Models with Estimated Factors
51 Pages Posted: 6 Oct 2015 Last revised: 6 Mar 2019
Date Written: September, 2015
Abstract
In this paper we develop asymptotics for tests of equal predictive ability between nested models when factor-augmented regression models are used to forecast. We provide conditions under which the estimation of the factors does not affect the asymptotic distributions developed in Clark and McCracken (2001) and McCracken (2007). This enables researchers to use the existing tabulated critical values when conducting inference. As an intermediate result, we derive the asymptotic properties of the principal components estimator over recursive windows. We provide simulation evidence on the finite sample effects of factor estimation and apply the tests to the case of forecasting excess returns to the S&P 500 Composite Index.
Keywords: factor models, out-of-sample forecasts, recursive estimation
JEL Classification: C12, C32, C38, C52
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