High-frequency Estimation of the L\'evy-driven Graph Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process

We consider the Graph Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (GrOU) process observed on a non-uniform discrete time grid and introduce discretised maximum likelihood estimators with parameters specific to the whole graph or specific to each component, or node. Under a high-frequency sampling scheme, we study the asymptotic behaviour of those estimators as the mesh size of the observation grid goes to zero. We prove two stable central limit theorems to the same distribution as in the continuously-observed case under both finite and infinite jump activity for the L\'evy driving noise. When a graph structure is not explicitly available, the stable convergence allows to consider purpose-specific sparse inference procedures, i.e. pruning, on the edges themselves in parallel to the GrOU inference and preserve its asymptotic properties. We apply the new estimators to wind capacity factor measurements, i.e. the ratio between the wind power produced locally compared to its rated peak power, across fifty locations in Northern Spain and Portugal. We show the superiority of those estimators compared to the standard least squares estimator through a simulation study extending known univariate results across graph configurations, noise types and amplitudes

Nonparametric estimation of the jump component in financial time series

In this thesis, we analyze nonparametric estimation of Lévy-based models using wavelets methods. As the considered class is restricted to pure-jump Lévy processes, it is sufficient to estimate their Lévy densities. For implementing a wavelet density estimator, it is necessary to setup a preliminary histogram estimator. Simulation studies show that there is an improvement of the wavelet estimator by invoking an optimally selected histogram. The wavelet estimator is based on block-thresholding of empirical coefficients. We conclude with two empirical applications which show that there is a very high arrival rate of small jumps in financial data sets

Parameter estimation and model testing for Markov processes via conditional characteristic functions

Markov processes are used in a wide range of disciplines, including finance. The transition densities of these processes are often unknown. However, the conditional characteristic functions are more likely to be available, especially for L\'{e}vy-driven processes. We propose an empirical likelihood approach, for both parameter estimation and model specification testing, based on the conditional characteristic function for processes with either continuous or discontinuous sample paths. Theoretical properties of the empirical likelihood estimator for parameters and a smoothed empirical likelihood ratio test for a parametric specification of the process are provided. Simulations and empirical case studies are carried out to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed estimator and test.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.3150/11-BEJ400 the Bernoulli (http://isi.cbs.nl/bernoulli/) by the International Statistical Institute/Bernoulli Society (http://isi.cbs.nl/BS/bshome.htm

Jump-diffusion model of exchange rate dynamics : estimation via indirect inference

This paper investigates asymmetric effects of monetary policy over the business cycle. A two-state Markov Switching Model is employed to model both recessions and expansions. For the United States and Germany, strong evidence is found that monetary policy is more effective in a recession than during a boom. Also some evidence is found for asymmetry in the United Kingdom and Belgium. In the Netherlands, monetary policy is not very effective in either regime.