Nonparametric unit-root tests are a useful addendum to the tool-box of time-series analysis. They tend to trade off power for enhanced robustness features. We consider combinations of the RURS (seasonal range unit roots) test statistic and a variant of the level-crossings count. This combination...

We explore the benefits of forecast combinations based on forecast- encompassing tests compared to simple averages and to Bates-Granger combinations. We also consider a new combination method that fuses test-based and Bates-Granger weighting. For a realistic simulation design, we generate...

Abstract Comparative ex-ante prediction experiments over expanding subsamples are a popular tool for the task of selecting the best forecasting model class in finite samples of practical relevance. Flanking such a horse race by predictive-accuracy tests, such as the test by Diebold and Mariano...

The problem of optimal decision among unit roots, trend stationarity, and trend stationarity with structural breaks is considered. Each class is represented by a hierarchically random process whose parameters are distributed in a non-informative way. The prior frequency for all three processes...

We suggest a theoretical basis for the comparative evaluation of forecasts. Instead of the general assumption that the data is generated from a stochastic model, we classify three stages of prediction experiments: pure non-stochastic prediction of given data, stochastic prediction of given data,...

We use data generated by a macroeconomic DSGE model to study the relative benefits of forecast combinations based on forecast-encompassing tests relative to simple uniformly weighted forecast averages across rival models. Assumed rival models are four linear autoregressive specifications, one of...

We investigate whether and to what extent multiple encompassing tests may help determine weights for forecast averaging in a standard vector autoregressive setting. To this end we consider a new test-based procedure, which assigns non-zero weights to candidate models that add information not...

For many economic time-series variables that are observed regularly and frequently, for example weekly, the underlying activity is not distributed uniformly across the year. For the aim of predicting annual data, one may consider temporal aggregation into larger subannual units based on an...

We explore the benefits of forecast combinations based on forecast- encompassing tests compared to simple averages and to Bates-Granger combinations. We also consider a new combination method that fuses test-based and Bates-Granger weighting. For a realistic simulation design, we generate...