Regime switching GARCH models

We develop univariate regime-switching GARCH (RS-GARCH) models wherein the conditional variance switches in time from one GARCH process to another. The switching is governed by a time-varying probability, specified as a function of past information. We provide sufficient conditions for stationarity and existence of moments. Because of path dependence, maximum likehood estimation is infeasible. By enlarging the parameter space to include the state variables, Bayesian estimation using a Gibbs sampling algorithm is feasible. We apply this model using the NASDAQ daily returns series.GARCH; regime switching; Bayesian inference

Theory and inference for a Markov switching Garch model.

We develop a Markov-switching GARCH model (MS-GARCH) wherein the conditional mean and variance switch in time from one GARCH process to another. The switching is governed by a hidden Markov chain. We provide sufficient conditions for geometric ergodicity and existence of moments of the process. Because of path dependence, maximum likelihood estimation is not feasible. By enlarging the parameter space to include the state variables, Bayesian estimation using a Gibbs sampling algorithm is feasible. We illustrate the model on SP500 daily returns.GARCH, Markov-switching, Bayesian inference.

Regime switching models of hedge fund returns

We estimate and compare the forecasting performance of several dynamic models of returns of different hedge fund strategies. The conditional mean of return is an ARMA process while its conditional volatility is modeled according to the GARCH specification. In order to take into account the high level of risk of these strategies, we also consider a Markov switching structure of the parameters in both equations to capture jumps. Finally, the one-step-ahead out-of-sample forecast performance of different models is compared.Markov switching ARMA-GARCH, forecasting performance

Mixed normal conditional heteroskedasticity

Both unconditional mixed-normal distributions and GARCH models with fat-tailed conditional distributions have been employed for modeling financial return data. We consider a mixed-normal distribution coupled with a GARCH-type structure which allows for conditional variance in each of the components as well as dynamic feedback between the components. Special cases and relationships with previously proposed specifications are discussed and stationarity conditions are derived. An empirical application to NASDAQ-index data indicates the appropriateness of the model class and illustrates that the approach can generate a plausible disaggregation of the conditional variance process, in which the components' volatility dynamics have a clearly distinct behavior that is, for example, compatible with the well-known leverage effect. Klassifikation: C22, C51, G1

Measuring the economic significance of structural exchange rate models

This paper examines both the in-sample and out-of-sample performance of three monetary fundamental models of exchange rates and compares their out-of-sample performance to that of a simple Random Walk model. Using a data-set consisting of five currencies at monthly frequency over the period January 1980 to December 2009 and a battery of newly developed performance measures, the paper shows that monetary models do better (in-sample and out-of- sample forecasting) than a simple Random Walk model.monetary models, forecasting

A Comparison of Univariate Stochastic Volatility Models for U.S. Short Rates Using EMM Estimation

In this paper, the efficient method of moments (EMM) estimation using a seminonparametric (SNP) auxiliary model is employed to determine the best fitting model for the volatility dynamics of the U.S. weekly three-month interest rate. A variety of volatility models are considered, including one-factor diffusion models, two-factor and three-factor stochastic volatility (SV) models, non-Gaussian diffusion models with Stable distributed errors, and a variety of Markov regime switching (RS) models. The advantage of using EMM estimation is that all of the proposed structural models can be evaluated with respect to a common auxiliary model. We find that a continuous-time twofactor SV model, a continuous-time three-factor SV model, and a discrete-time RS-involatility model with level effect can well explain the salient features of the short rate as summarized by the auxiliary model. We also show that either an SV model with a level effect or a RS model with a level effect, but not both, is needed for explaining the data. Our EMM estimates of the level effect are much lower than unity, but around 1/2 after incorporating the SV effect or the RS effect.

Markov-switching GARCH models in R : the MSGARCH package

We describe the package MSGARCH, which implements Markov-switching GARCH (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity) models in R with efficient C++ object-oriented programming. Markov-switching GARCH models have become popular methods to account for regime changes in the conditional variance dynamics of time series. The package MSGARCH allows the user to perform simulations as well as maximum likelihood and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo estimations of a very large class of Markov-switching GARCH-type models. The package also provides methods to make single-step and multi-step ahead forecasts of the complete conditional density of the variable of interest. Risk management tools to estimate conditional volatility, value-at-risk, and expected-shortfall are also available. We illustrate the broad functionality of the MSGARCH package using exchange rate and stock market return data