We consider a particular concept of accuracy of predictions, and we develop a class of non-parametric, spectral density tests capable of deciding whether a given random variable can predict a time series. Under standard assumptions, we show that those tests are consistent, robust and admissible....

It is widely known that significant in-sample evidence of predictability does not guarantee significant out-of-sample predictability. This is often interpreted as an indication that in-sample evidence is likely to be spurious and should be discounted. In this paper we question this conventional...

This paper analyzes the relationship between the properties of the prediction errors of a predictor that assumes an autoregressive unit root and its optimal detection. According with this relationship, new autoregressive unit root tests are proposed based on multi-step prediction errors. It is...

We propose new scoring rules based on partial likelihood for assessing the relative out-of-sample predictive accuracy of competing density forecasts over a specific region of interest, such as the left tail in financial risk management. By construction, existing scoring rules based on weighted...

This paper proposes a method for comparing and combining conditional quantile forecasts based on the principle of 'encompassing'. Our test for conditional quantile forecast encompassing (CQFE) is a test of superior predictive ability, constructed as a Wald-type test on the coefficients of an...

This paper proposes and analyzes tests that can be used to compare the accuracy of alternative conditional density forecasts of a variable. The tests are also valid in the broader context of model selection based on out-of-sample predictive ability. We restrict attention to the case of density...

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a dynamic Value at Risk model and high frequency realized volatility models can improve the accuracy of 1-day ahead VaR forecasting beyond the performance of frequently used models. As such, this paper constructs 60 conditional volatility...

We suggest a robust form of conditional moment test as a constructive test for functional misspecification in multiplicative error models. The proposed test has power solely against violations of the conditional mean restriction but is not affected by any other type of model misspecification....

The development of new tests and methods used in the evaluation of time series forecasts and forecasting models remains as important today as it has for the last 50 years. Paraphrasing what Sir Clive W.J. Granger (arguably the father of modern day time series forecasting) said in the 1990s at a...

This paper proposes a test to determine whether `big data' nowcasting methods, which have become an important tool to many public and private institutions, are monotonically improving as new information becomes available. The test is the first to formalise existing evaluation procedures from the...