Functional regression of continuous state distributions

In this paper, we consider a regression model to study the distributional relationship between economic variables. Unlike the classical regression dealing exclusively with mean relationship, our model can be used to analyze the entire dependent structure in distribution. Technically, we treat density functions as random elements and represent the regression relationship as a compact linear operator in the Hilbert spaces of square integrable functions. We propose a consistent estimation procedure for our model, and develop a test to investigate the dependent structure of moments. An empirical example is provided to illustrate how our methodology can be implemented in practical applications.