Filtering and forecasting commodity futures prices under an HMM framework

We propose a model for the evolution of arbitrage-free futures prices under a regime-switching framework. The estimation of model parameters is carried out using the hidden Markov filtering algorithms. Comprehensive numerical experiments on real financial market data are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our algorithm. In particular, the model is calibrated with data from heating oil futures and its forecasting performance as well as statistical validity is investigated. The proposed model is parsimonious, self-calibrating and can be very useful in predicting futures prices. © 2013 Elsevier B.V

Booms and Busts: New Keynesian and Behavioral Explanations

Capitalism is characterized by booms and busts. Periods of strong growth in output alternate with periods of declines in economic growth. Every macro-economic theory should attempt to explain these endemic business cycle movements. In this paper I present two paradigms that attempt to explain these booms and busts. One is the DSGE-paradigm in which agents have unlimited cognitive abilities. The other paradigm is a behavioural one in which agents are assumed to have limited cognitive abilities. These two types of models produce a radically different macroeconomic dynamics. I analyze these differences. I also study the different policy implications of these two paradigms.DSGE-model, imperfect information, heuristics, animal spirits