Prediction-based estimating functions: review and new developments

The general theory of prediction-based estimating functions for stochastic process models is reviewed and extended. Particular attention is given to optimal estimation, asymptotic theory and Gaussian processes. Several examples of applications are presented. In particular partial observation of a systems of stochastic differential equations is discussed. This includes diffusions observed with measurement errors, integrated diffusions, stochastic volatility models, and hypoelliptic stochastic differential equations. The Pearson diffusions, for which explicit optimal prediction-based estimating functions can be found, are briefly presented.