Discussion paper

DP9815 Markov-Switching Mixed-Frequency VAR Models

This paper introduces regime switching parameters in the Mixed-Frequency VAR model. We first discuss estimation and inference for Markov-switching Mixed-Frequency VAR (MSMF-VAR) models. Next, we assess the finite sample performance of the technique in Monte-Carlo experiments. Finally, the MSMF-VAR model is applied to predict GDP growth and business cycle turning points in the euro area. Its performance is compared with that of a number of competing models, including linear and regime switching mixed data sampling (MIDAS) models. The results suggest that MSMF-VAR models are particularly useful to estimate the status of economic activity.

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Citation

Marcellino, M and C Foroni (2014), ‘DP9815 Markov-Switching Mixed-Frequency VAR Models‘, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 9815. CEPR Press, Paris & London. https://cepr.org/publications/dp9815