We build a simple diagnostic criterion for approximate factor structure in large panel datasets. Given observable factors, the criterion checks whether the errors are weakly cross-sectionally correlated or share at least one unobservable common factor (interactive effects). A general version...

In this paper, we consider a partially linear panel data model with cross-sectional dependence and non-stationarity. Meanwhile, we allow fixed effects to be correlated with the regressors to capture unobservable heterogeneity. Under a general spatial error dependence structure, we then establish...

This chapter surveys recent econometric methodologies for inference in large dimensional conditional factor models in finance. Changes in the business cycle and asset characteristics induce time variation in factor loadings and risk premia to be accounted for. The growing trend in the use of...

This paper analyzes the second order bias of instrumental variables estimators for a dynamic panel model with fixed effects. Three different methods of second order bias correction are considered. Simulation experiments show that these methods perform well if the model does not have a root near...

This paper proposes and implements a tractable approach to detect group structure in panel data. The mechanism works by means of a panel structure model, which assumes that individuals form a number of homogeneous groups in a heterogeneous population. Within each group, the (linear) regression...

The GMM estimator that is usually employed in the panel data literature, has an unbounded influence function. This means that the estimator is easily influenced by outliers in the data. This paper develops a variant of the GMM estimator that is less sensitive to anomalous observations....

We present a new theory of homogeneous volatility (and variance) estimators for arbitrary stochastic processes. The main tool of our theory is the parsimonious encoding of all the information contained in the OHLC prices for a given time interval by the joint distributions of the high-minusopen,...

Much of the trading activity in Equity markets is directed to brokerage houses. In exchange they provide so-called quot;soft dollarsquot; which basically are amounts spent in quot;researchquot; for identifying profitable trading opportunities. Soft dollars represent about USD 1 out of every USD...

In this paper, we propose a model based on multivariate decomposition of multiplicative - absolute values and signs - components of several returns. In the m-variate case, the marginals for the m absolute values and the binary marginals for the m directions are linked through a 2m-dimensional...

Decision-makers often consult different experts to build reliable forecasts on variables of interest. Combining more opinions and calibrating them to maximize the forecast accuracy is consequently a crucial issue in several economic problems. This paper applies a Bayesian beta mixture model to...