In this paper we present and describe a large quarterly frequency, macroeconomic database. The data provided are closely modeled to that used in Stock and Watson (2012a). As in our previous work on FRED-MD, our goal is simply to provide a publicly available source of macroeconomic "big data"...

Two asymptotically valid out-of-sample MSE tests have been developed by Diebold-Mariano (1995) and Stock-Watson (1999). The empirical usefulness of the tests is illustrated through a U.S. wheat model estimated with fixed, recursive and rolling forecasting schemes. Bootstrap methods are adopted...

Ashley, Granger, and Schmalensee (1980) and Diebold and Mariano (1995) suggest that forecast comparisons may be used to examine Granger causality. According to Ashley et al., if forecasts of y based on a VAR model in x and y are superior to those based on an AR model for y , then x carries...

Many forecasts are conditional in nature. For example, a number of central banks routinely report forecasts conditional on particular paths of policy instruments. Even though conditional forecasting is common, there has been little work on methods for evaluating conditional forecasts. This paper...

This essay reviews recent work regarding pairwise tests of equal forecast accuracy between nested and non-nested models. While some technical details are given, special emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of the tests.

This article investigates the use of factor-based methods for predicting industry-wide bank stress. Specifically, using the variables detailed in the Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ bank stress scenarios, the authors construct a small collection of distinct factors. We then investigate the...