Single Source of Error State Space Approach to the Beveridge Nelson Decomposition

The use of the Beveridge Nelson decomposition in macroeconomic analysis involves the truncation and estimation of infinite weighted sums of random variables, whereas the single source of error (SSE) state space approach provides a simple and effective framework that leads to exactly the same decomposition. Thus, although the (SSE) approach was originally developed as a forecasting tool, it can also be used as a macroeconomic tool, providing a straightforward decomposition of the series into trend and cyclical components, and simplifying the calculation of the relative importance of permanent and temporary shocks.