Employing the Structural Time Series Model (STSM) approach suggested by Harvey (1997), and based on annual data for the UK from 1967-2002, this paper reiterates the importance of using a stochastic rather than a linear deterministic trend formulation when estimating energy demand models, a...

This article investigates whether Google Trends search information can improve forecasts of cinema admissions. Using monthly data for the United Kingdom for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008, we examine various forecasting models that incorporate Google Trends search information. We...

Conventionally, the seasonal pattern in a time series is taken as exogenous. However, two recent studies from the US have suggested, the seasonal component in box office revenue may in part be endogenously determined. Films that are expected to do well tend to be released at times of peak...

Economists have hitherto neglected the behaviour of the personal introduction agency sector. This paper presents estimates of the average cost function. It is found to have a U-shaped pattern. Average costs are also shown to be higher when the agency guarantees a minimum number of dates and...

In a recent article, Geroski and Walters (Economic Journal, 105, 1995, 916-928) suggest that changes in demand Granger cause changes in innovative activity but not vice versa. This note shows that inappropriate modelling methods can lead to such conclusions which exclude the possibility of...

Estimates of the demand for cigarettes in Turkey uncovered significant effects from prices, incomes, education and health scares. The previous study did not pre-test for the presence of unit roots. This note reports the undertaking of this task, and the results of cointegrating regression...

Data from 119 placements of 'personal' advertisments in a national English newspaper were analysed, using logit estimation, to estimate a demand equation for male looks. The results indicate that the women's declaration of wealth offered and divorced status had positive effects on the demand for...