Structural Vector Autoregressive Analysis

This book discusses the econometric foundations of structural vector autoregressive modeling, as used in empirical macroeconomics, finance, and related fields.

Structural vector autoregressive (VAR) models are important tools for empirical work in macroeconomics, finance, and related fields. This book not only reviews the many alternative structural VAR approaches discussed in the literature, but also highlights their pros and cons in practice. It provides guidance to empirical researchers as to the most appropriate modeling choices, methods of estimating, and evaluating structural VAR models. The book traces the evolution of the structural VAR methodology and contrasts it with other common methodologies, including dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It is intended as a bridge between the often quite technical econometric literature on structural VAR modeling and the needs of empirical researchers. The focus is not on providing the most rigorous theoretical arguments, but on enhancing the reader's understanding of the methods in question and their assumptions. Empirical examples are provided for illustration.

Advance praise: 'Structural vector autoregressions (SVARs) are an essential tool in empirical macroeconomics. This book provides a thorough and long-overdue digest of a literature that has been thriving for over 35 years and seen a lot of exciting developments in the past decade. The authors masterfully blend theoretical foundations, guidance for practitioners, and detailed empirical applications. This is a must-read for anyone working with SVARs.' Frank Schorfheide, University of Pennsylvania

Auteur

Lutz Kilian is Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Between 2001 and 2003 he served as an adviser to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Professor Kilian has been a research visitor at the Federal Reserve Board, the Bank of Canada, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. His work has appeared in Econometrica, the American Economic Review, and the Journal of Political Economy. He has served as associate editor of the Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, among other journals.

Résumé
Structural vector autoregressive (VAR) models are widely used in many fields of economics. This book traces the evolution of the structural VAR approach and reviews its econometric foundations. It provides guidance to empirical researchers as to the most appropriate methods of estimating and evaluating structural VAR models.

Contenu

1. Introduction; 2. Vector autoregressive models; 3. Vector error correction models; 4. Structural VAR tools; 5. Bayesian VAR analysis; 6. The relationship between VAR models and other macroeconometric models; 7. A historical perspective on causal inference in macroeconometrics; 8. Identification by short-run restrictions; 9. Estimation subject to short-run restrictions; 10. Identification by long-run restrictions; 11. Estimation subject to long-run restrictions; 12. Inference in models identified by short-run or long-run restrictions; 13. Identification by sign restrictions; 14. Identification by heteroskedasticity or non-gaussianity; 15. Identification based on extraneous data; 16. Structural VAR analysis in a data-rich environment; 17. Nonfundamental shocks; 18. Nonlinear structural VAR models; 19. Practical issues related to trends, seasonality, and structural change; References; Index.