Semi-Parametric Comparison of Stochastic Volatility Models using Realized Measures

This paper proposes a procedure to test for the correct specification of the functional form of the volatility process within the class of eigenfunction stochastic volatility models. The procedure is based on the comparison of the moments of realized volatility measures with the corresponding ones of integrated volatility implied by the model under the null hypothesis.
We first provide primitive conditions on the measurement error associated with the realized measure, which allow to construct asymptotically valid specification tests.
Then we establish regularity conditions under which the considered realized measures, namely, realized volatility, bipower variation, and modified subsampled realized volatility, satisfy the given primitive assumptions.
Finally, we provide an empirical illustration based on three stocks from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.     

Estimation of Asymmetric Stochastic Volatility Models for Stock-Exchange Index Returns

The objective of this paper is to put forward a new autoregressive asymmetric stochastic volatility model for modeling volatility and to compare results obtained for this model with an autoregressive stochastic model and another asymmetric volatility model, such as, asymmetric generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model. The results obtained from the estimation by maximum likelihood have shown the volatility behavior is asymmetric in the majority of cases. This fact is better shown by the ARSVA model, than the rest of alternative models. Moreover, the ARSVA model is able to reproduce other stylized facts of such series, such as high kurtosis, no autocorrelation of returns, slow decreasing of the autocorrelation function of the squared returns and high persistence.

Stochastic Growth Models and Their Econometric Implications

This article considers the consequences of explicitly allowing for stochastic technological progress and stochastic labor input in the discrete-time Solow-Swan and AK growth models. It shows that the capital-output ratio, but not output per capita, is ergodic irrespective of whether there is a unit root in technology, and thus is the more appropriate measure to use in the cross-sectional analysis of the growth process. Furthermore, the article derives the cross-sectional and time-series implications of the stochastic Solow-Swan model and contrasts these to those of its deterministic counterpart. Among these implications are that the mean of the capital-output ratio depends in a precise way not only on the saving rate and the growth rate of labor input, but also on the variance and higher-order cumulants of the capital-output ratio. Using the Summers-Heston data for seventy-two countries from 1960 to 1992, strong support is found for the predictions of the stochastic Solow-Swan model as compared to those of its deterministic counterpart (as well as those of the AK model), including a significant negative cross-sectional relationship between the mean and the variance of the capital-output ratio.     

Uncertainty and Learning in Stochastic Macro Models

Limits on information have deep economic impact and affect the conduct of economic policy. In the present paper we explore the effect of substantive uncertainty in a macro model, from both an analytical and methodological point of view. Agents are boundedly rational and make their forecasts according to different techniques and try to learn the values of the various parameters. In this context, a Markov regime switching rule, a VAR system, and recursive least square are considered and compared. As a result, we obtain a model which is mostly keynesian in nature that can be compared with the new neoclassical synthesis models. Simulations are carried out and show the possible appearence of endogenous and persistent fluctuations.     

基于GARCH模型的沪市波动性的实证研究

资产收益率的波动问题是现代金融投资研究的重要问题之一。自回归条件异方差（ARCH）族模型作为近年来兴起的理论模型,由于其在刻画金融时间序列波动特征方面的良好效果而受到广泛关注。文章采用1999年至今的上证指数收益率作为样本数据进行建模实证分析,分析上证指数收益率的特征,结果表明上证指数收益率具有明显的方差聚集性、波动性和尖峰厚尾特征。     

Forecasting Irregularly Spaced UHF Financial Data: Realized Volatility vs UHF-GARCH Models

A new literature has been recently devoted to the modeling of ultra-high-frequency (UHF) data. Our first aim is to develop an empirical application of UHF-GARCH models to forecast future volatilities on irregularly spaced data. We also compare the out-sample performance of these generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) models with the realized volatility method. We propose a procedure to account for the time deformation problem and show how to use these models for computing daily Value at Risk (VaR).     

A Frequency Decomposition of Approximation Errors in Stochastic Discount Factor Models

This article extends the work of Hansen and Jagannathan by showing how to decompose approximation errors in stochastic discount factor models by frequency. This decomposition is applied to a number of consumption-based discount factor models in order to investigate how well they fit at low frequencies. There is some evidence of improved fit at low frequencies, but only in models with high degrees of risk aversion. In models with low degrees of risk aversion, approximation errors at low frequencies are just as severe as those at high frequencies.     

过剩产能与通货膨胀的关系分析——基于包含随机波动的TVP模型考察

为了更准确的考察目前中国的过剩产能与通货膨胀的关系,本文构造了一个包含随机波动的TVP模型对中国通货膨胀与产出缺口间的关系进行了实证分析,实证结果表明:中国通货膨胀的随机波动程度有不断增强的趋势;产出缺口对通货膨胀的影响力度有不断减弱的趋势;改善经济发展的结构性矛盾、提高供给部门的效率是实现价格稳定下经济快速增长的根本途径.     

基于GARCH族模型对中国股市波动的分析与预测

运用GARCH类模型对沪深300指数序列的波动性、收益率进行了实证研究,并且对序列做了拟合与预测,获得了不错的效果。除此,还证实了中国股市存在着显著的非对称效应。     

Volatility and firm growth

A growing body of macroeconomic evidence suggests that volatility is detrimental for economic growth. The channel through which this materializes, however, is less clear. Moreover, substantive evidence based on disaggregate data is scarce. In this paper, we provide empirical support for this relationship using a detailed cross-country firm-level dataset. We also provide additional evidence that institutional obstacles magnify the adverse effect of perceived volatility on firm growth.      

我国财政支出波动对居民消费波动的影响研究

利用1981—2010年我国27个省级地区的面板数据,在加入居民收入波动、金融发展水平、贸易开放度三个控制变量的基础上,综合运用固定效应模型及工具变量估计法,对我国财政支出波动与居民消费波动的关系进行探讨,结果表明:居民消费波动受财政支出波动的影响显著,两者呈正相关关系;金融发展水平及贸易开放度有助于减轻居民消费的波动程度;居民收入波动对消费波动的影响不显著。     

Review of Solution and Estimation Methods for Nonlinear Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models with the Zero Lower Bound

We review solution and estimation methods for nonlinear dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models and their application, with a special focus on the zero lower bound on the nominal interest rate. In a fully nonlinear setting, both the solution and estimation methods involve iterative procedures, and their computational expense grows rapidly with an increase in the dimensionality of state variables and parameters. We describe how the procedures deal with the dimensionality problem.     

Business Cycle Volatility in Germany

Abstract. Stylized facts suggest that output volatility in OECD countries has declined in recent years. The causes and the nature of this decline have so far been analyzed mainly for the United States. In this paper, we analyze whether structural changes in output volatility in Germany can be detected. We report evidence that output volatility has declined in Germany. It is difficult to answer the question whether this decline in output volatility reflects good economic and monetary policy or merely ‘good luck’.     

Volatility,growth and cycles

The paper investigates the factors affecting the equilibrium level of output in a panel of European countries. Output depends on factor inputs and on the technology and the efficiency with which those factors are used. Efficiency may be driven by international conditions and institutional changes such as the Single Market Programme in Europe. The technology indicators used in this study depend upon research and development and also include the level of labour efficiency which is indexed on skills data. The level of the capital stock depends upon the user cost of capital, which may depend upon risk and hence on the volatility of the economy. Recent literature suggests that real exchange rate volatility is important in determining investment and therefore has an impact on equilibrium output. A link of this form is uncovered for the European economies. If policy can reduce these volatilities then it can also raise equilibrium output.

Volatility in the knowledge economy

Summary. We seek to explain the economic volatility of the last 6 years, in particular the rapid expansion and contraction of the knowledge sectors. Our hypothesis is that these sectors amplify the business cycle due to their increasing returns to scale, growing faster than others in an upswing and contracting faster in a downswing. To test this hypothesis we postulate a general equilibrium model with two sectors: one with increasing returns that are external to the firm and endogenously determined - the knowledge sector - and the other with constant returns to scale. We introduce a new measure of volatility of output, a real beta, and derive a resolving equation, from which we prove that the increasing return sectors exhibit more volatility then other sectors. We validate the main results on US macro economic data of real GDP by industry (2-3 digits SIC codes) of the 1977-2001 period, and provide policy conclusions.Received: 18 March 2002, Revised: 16 February 2004, JEL Classification Numbers: D5, D58, E10, L50, L52, O38, O51.Correspondence to: Graciela Chichilnisky     

Political Institutions and Policy Volatility

Checks and balances that limit the discretion of policy-makers reduce the volatility of government expenditure and revenue. While this assumption is at the heart of a large body of empirical work, the association between political institutions and policy volatility has itself been the focus of only limited empirical testing. The results presented here support the existence of this link, allow for a comparison between two prominent measures of checks and balances and provide insight into the relative impact of checks and balances on the volatility of nine different types of fiscal policy both during times of macroeconomic stability and upheaval.