Generalized additive models for location, scale and shape define a flexible, semi-parametric class of regression models for analyzing insurance data in which the exponential family assumption for the response is relaxed. This approach allows the actuary to include risk factors not only in the...

The Hodrick-Prescott filter is a convenient and therefore widely and routinely applied detrending method in macroeconomics working with empirical data. However, James Hamilton has recently gained attention with his vigorous advice against it and a proposal of a better alternative. Before...