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Confronting model misspecification in macroeconomics

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  • Waggoner, Daniel F.
  • Zha, Tao

Abstract

We estimate a Markov-switching mixture of two familiar macroeconomic models: A richly parameterized DSGE model and a corresponding BVAR model. We show that the Markov-switching mixture model dominates both individual models and improves the fit considerably. Our estimation indicates that the DSGE model plays an important role only in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. We show how to use the mixture model as a data filter for estimation of the DSGE model when the BVAR model is not identified. Moreover, we show how to compute the impulse responses to the same type of shock shared by the DSGE and BVAR models when the shock is identified in the BVAR model. Our exercises demonstrate the importance of integrating model uncertainty and parameter uncertainty to address potential model misspecification in macroeconomics.

Suggested Citation

  • Waggoner, Daniel F. & Zha, Tao, 2012. "Confronting model misspecification in macroeconomics," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 171(2), pages 167-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:171:y:2012:i:2:p:167-184
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2012.06.013
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Markov-switching mixture; Heterogenous models; Regime-dependent weights; Model uncertainty; Parameter uncertainty; Impulse responses; Policy analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment
    • E4 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates

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