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Robust Forecast Comparison

Author

Listed:
  • Sainan Jin

    (Singapore Management University)

  • Valentina Corradi

    (University of Surrey)

  • Norman Swanson

    (Rutgers University)

Abstract
Forecast accuracy is typically measured in terms of a given loss function. However, as a consequence of the use of misspecified models in multiple model comparisons, relative forecast rankings are loss function dependent. This paper addresses this issue by using a novel criterion for forecast evaluation which is based on the entire distribution of forecast errors. We introduce the concepts of general-loss (GL) forecast superiority and convex-loss (CL) forecast superiority, and we establish a mapping between GL (CL) superiority and first (second) order stochastic dominance. This allows us to develop a forecast evaluation procedure based on an out-of-sample generalization of the tests introduced by Linton, Maasoumi and Whang (2005). The asymptotic null distributions of our test statistics are nonstandard, and resampling procedures are used to obtain the critical values. Additionally, the tests are consistent and have nontrivial local power under a sequence of local alternatives. In addition to the stationary case, we outline theory extending our tests to the case of heterogeneity induced by distributional change over time. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the tests perform reasonably well in finite samples; and an application to exchange rate data indicates that our tests can help identify superior forecasting models, regardless of loss function.

Suggested Citation

  • Sainan Jin & Valentina Corradi & Norman Swanson, 2015. "Robust Forecast Comparison," Departmental Working Papers 201502, Rutgers University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:rut:rutres:201502
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    Cited by:

    1. Francis X. Diebold & Minchul Shin, 2017. "Assessing point forecast accuracy by stochastic error distance," Econometric Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(6-9), pages 588-598, October.
    2. Arvanitis, Stelios & Post, Thierry & Potì, Valerio & Karabati, Selcuk, 2021. "Nonparametric tests for Optimal Predictive Ability," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 881-898.
    3. Post, Thierry & Karabatı, Selçuk & Arvanitis, Stelios, 2019. "Robust optimization of forecast combinations," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 910-926.
    4. Norman R. Swanson & Weiqi Xiong, 2018. "Big data analytics in economics: What have we learned so far, and where should we go from here?," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 51(3), pages 695-746, August.
    5. Anghel, Dan Gabriel, 2021. "Data Snooping Bias in Tests of the Relative Performance of Multiple Forecasting Models," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    6. Sander Barendse & Andrew J. Patton, 2022. "Comparing Predictive Accuracy in the Presence of a Loss Function Shape Parameter," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(3), pages 1057-1069, June.
    7. Mehmet Pinar & Thanasis Stengos & Nikolas Topaloglou, 2022. "Stochastic dominance spanning and augmenting the human development index with institutional quality," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 315(1), pages 341-369, August.
    8. Valentina Corradi & Sainan Jin & Norman R. Swanson, 2023. "Robust forecast superiority testing with an application to assessing pools of expert forecasters," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(4), pages 596-622, June.
    9. Anyfantaki, Sofia & Arvanitis, Stelios & Topaloglou, Nikolas, 2021. "Diversification benefits in the cryptocurrency market under mild explosivity," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 295(1), pages 378-393.
    10. Yen, Yu-Min & Yen, Tso-Jung, 2021. "Testing forecast accuracy of expectiles and quantiles with the extremal consistent loss functions," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 733-758.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    convex loss function; empirical processes; forecast superiority; general loss function;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes

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