Robustness of Forecast Combination in Unstable Environment: A Monte Carlo Study of Advanced Algorithms

28 Pages Posted: 19 Dec 2015

See all articles by Yongchen Zhao

Yongchen Zhao

Towson University - Department of Economics

Date Written: December 17, 2015

Abstract

Based on a set of carefully designed Monte Carlo exercises, this paper documents the behavior and performance of several newly developed advanced forecast combination algorithms in unstable environments, where performance of candidate forecasts are cross-sectionally heterogeneous and dynamically evolving over time. Results from these exercises provide guidelines regarding the selection of forecast combination method based on the nature, frequency, and magnitude of instabilities in forecasts as well as the target variable. Following these guidelines, a simple forecast combination procedure is proposed and demonstrated through a real-time forecast combination exercise using the U.S. Survey of Professional Forecasters, where combined forecasts are shown to have superior performance that is not only statistically significant but also of practical importance.

Keywords: Forecast combination, Exponential re-weighting, Shrinkage, Estimation error, Performance stability, Real-Time Data

JEL Classification: C53, C22, C15

Suggested Citation

Zhao, Yongchen, Robustness of Forecast Combination in Unstable Environment: A Monte Carlo Study of Advanced Algorithms (December 17, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2705188 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2705188

Yongchen Zhao (Contact Author)

Towson University - Department of Economics ( email )

Towson, MD 21204
United States

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