In this paper, we define different types of estimators for the distribution function, namely preliminary test (PT), shrinkage PT (SPT), Stein type (S), and Thompson shrinkage (TS) estimators based on lower record observations and their inter record times. Their asymptotic distributional bias and...

In this paper, functional models with not replications are investigated within the class of the elliptical distributions. Emphasis is placed on the special case of the Student-t distribution. Main results encompasses consistency and asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood estimators. Due...

We address the problem how to estimate default probabilities for sovereign countries based on market data of traded debt. A structural Merton-type model is applied to a sample of emerging market and transition countries. In this context, only few and heterogeneous default probabilities are...

We suggest improved tests for cointegration rank in the vector autoregressive (VAR) model and develop asymptotic distribution theory and local power results. The tests are (quasi-)likelihood ratio tests based on a Gaussian likelihood, but of course the asymptotic results apply more generally....

Count data often exhibit overdispersion and/or require an adjustment for zero outcomes with respect to a Poisson model. Zero-modified Poisson (ZMP) and zeromodified generalized Poisson (ZMGP) regression models are useful classes of models for such data. In the literature so far only score tests...

This paper investigates the effects of inward FDI on per-capita income and growth of the US states since the mid-1970s. Using a Markov chain approach, it shows that both quantitative and qualitative characteristics of FDI affect per-capita income and growth. Employment-intensive FDI,...

The paper studies the degree of homogeneity of innovative behavior in order to determine empirically an industry classification of Dutch manufacturing that can be used for policy purposes. We use a twolimit tobit model with sample selection, which explains the decisions by business enterprises...

There has been an on-going debate about choices of the most suitable model amongst avariety of model specifications and parameterizations. The first dissertation essay investigateswhether asymmetric leptokurtic return distributions such as Hansen’s (1994) skewed tdistributioncombined with...