This paper studies a Monte Carlo algorithm for computing distributions of state variables when the underlying model is a Markov process. It is shown that the $L_1$ error of the estimator always converges to zero with probability one, and often at a parametric rate. A related technique for...

We analyze the issue of the impact of multiple breaks on monetary neutrality results, using a long annual international data set. We empirically verify whether neutrality propositions remain addressable (and if so, whether they hold or not), when unit root tests are carried out allowing for...

Many time series in diverse fields have been found to exhibit long memory. This paper analyzes the behavior of some of the most used tests for long memory: the R/S or rescaled R/S, the GPH (Geweke and Porter-Hudak) and the DFA (Detrended Fluctuation Analysis). Some of these tests exhibit size...

Many economic time series are charecterized by high persistence which typically requires nonstandard limit theory for inference. This paper proposes a new method for constructing confidence intervals for the impulse response functions of nearly nonstationary processes. The method is based on...

A class of stochastic unit-root bilinear processes, allowing for GARCH-type effects with asymmetries, is studied. The volatility is not bounded away from zero and is minimum for non zero innovations, which are important differences with the standard GARCH. Necessary and sufficient conditions for...

The paper addresses a problem in a frequently used nonparametric test for Granger causality (Hiemstra and Jones, 1994). Some examples suffice to show that the equality tested in general is not an implication of the null hypothesis of conditional independence. Upon deriving the asymptotic bias we...

This paper utilizes two different classification techniques to explore issues in the development of an early warning system for sovereign default. Specifically, the paper develops K-means clustering and logit models to illustrate how the optimal choice of parameters, such as assignment rule of...

Using threshold autoregressive specifications, this paper develops new parametric tests for level asymmetries. It proposes bootstrap likelihood ratio statistics to test the symmetric adjustment null against sign and amplitude asymmetries or a combination of both. Monte Carlo simulations show...

This paper proposes Lagrange Multiplier based panel unit root tests allowing for structural breaks through simple extensions of existing group mean and combination tests. The proposed tests are more general than those previously suggested. They consider potential breaks in the intercept, in the...