This paper proposes a variant of the classical HAUSMAN specifi cation test commonly employed to decide whether the estimation of a random-eff ects model is a viable alternative to estimating fi xed eff ects. Whereas the classical test probes the equality of fi xed- and random eff ects, the...

We propose a simple, flexible approach to nonparametric estimation and specification testing for a two-factor interest rate model. These methods are illustrated with a Monte Carlo experiment and an empirical example.

The estimation of conditional probability distribution functions (PDFs) in a kernel nonparametric framework has recently received attention. As emphasized by Hall, Racine & Li (2004), these conditional PDFs are extremely useful for a range of tasks including modelling and predicting consumer...