Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

SSE/EFI Working Paper Series in Economics and Finance,
Stockholm School of Economics

No 376: Time-Varying Smooth Transition Autoregressive Models

Stefan Lundbergh (), Timo Teräsvirta () and Dick van Dijk ()
Additional contact information
Stefan Lundbergh: Dept. of Economic Statistics, Stockholm School of Economics, Postal: Stockholm School of Economics, P.O. Box 6501, S-113 83 Stockholm, Sweden
Timo Teräsvirta: Dept. of Economic Statistics, Stockholm School of Economics, Postal: Stockholm School of Economics, P.O. Box 6501, S-113 83 Stockholm, Sweden
Dick van Dijk: Econometric Institute, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Postal: Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, NL-3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract: Nonlinearity, and regime-switching behavior in particular, and structural change have often been perceived as competing alternatives to linearity. In this paper we propose a model, based on the principle of smooth transition, that allows for regime-switching behavior in conjunction with time-varying parameters. This Time-Varying Smooth Transition Autoregressive [TV-STAR] model can be used both for describing simultaneous nonlinearity and structural change and for distinguishing between these features. Two modeling strategies for empirical specification of TV-STAR models are developed and tested by Monte Carlo simulation. The simulations show that neither of the two strategies dominates the other. The relative merits of each of the specification procedures are illustrated with empirical applications. The specific-to-general-to-specific procedure is best suited for obtaining a quick impression of the importance of nonlinearity and/or structural change for a particular time series. This is illustrated by an application to a large number of US macroeconomic time series. The specific-to-general procedure is most useful in careful specification of a model with nonlinear and/or time-varying properties. This is demonstrated by a worked example involving the US help-wanted advertising index.

Keywords: Nonlinearity; structural change; time series model specification

JEL-codes: C22; C51; C52

46 pages, April 5, 2000

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Published as
Stefan Lundbergh, Timo Teräsvirta and Dick van Dijk, (2003), 'Time-Varying Smooth Transition Autoregressive Models', Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, vol 21, pages 104-121

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