Testing for rational bubbles in a co-explosive vector autoregression

We derive the parameter restrictions that a standard equity market model implies for a bivariate vector autoregression for stock prices and dividends, and we show how to test these restrictions using likelihood ratio tests. The restrictions, which imply that stock returns are unpredictable, are derived both for a model without bubbles and for a model with a rational bubble. In both cases we show how the restrictions can be tested through standard chi-squared inference. The analysis for the no-bubble case is done within the traditional Johansen model for I(1) variables, while the bubble model is analysed using a co-explosive framework. The methodology is illustrated using US stock prices and dividends for the period 1872-2000.Rational bubbles, Explosiveness and co-explosiveness, Cointegration, Vector autoregression, Likelihood ratio tests.

Multicointegration and present value relations

It is well-known that if the forcing variable of a present value (PV) model is an integrated process, then the model will give rise to a particular cointegrating restriction. In this paper we demostrate that if the PV relation is exact, such that no additive error term appears in the specification, then te variables will be multicointegrated such that the cumlation of cointegration errors at one level of cointegration will cointegrate with the forcing variable. Multicointegration thus delivers a statistical property of the data that is necessary, though not sufficient, for this class of models to be valido Estimation and inference of the model are discussed and it is shown that, provided me PV relation is exact, the discount factor of the model can be estimated with arate of convergence that is faster than the usual super-consistent rate characterising estimators in the cointegration literature. Finally, the paper is completed with two empirical analyses of PV models using term structure data and farmland data, respectively

Long-run forecasting in multicointegrated systems

We extend the analysis of Christoffersen and Diebold (1998) on long-run forecasting in cointegrated systems to multicointegrated systems. For the forecast evaluation we consider several loss functions, each of which has a particular interpretation in the context of stock-flow models where multicointegration typically occurs. A loss function based on a standard mean square forecast error (MSFE) criterion focuses on the forecast errors of the flow variables alone. Likewise, a loss function based on the triangular representation of cointegrated systems (suggested by Christoffersen and Diebold) considers forecast errors associated with changes in both stock (modelled through the cointegrating restrictions) and flow variables. We suggest a new loss function which is based on the triangular representation of multicointegrated systems which further penalizes deviations from the long-run relationship between the levels of stock and flow variables as well as changes in the flow variables. Among other things, we show that if one is concerned with all possible long-run relations between stock and flow variables, this new loss function entails high and increasing forecasting gains compared to both the standard MSFE criterion and Christoffersen and Diebold?s criterion. The paper demonstrates the importance of carefully selecting loss functions in forecast evaluation of models involving stock and flow variables

Dundee Discussion Papers in Economics 120:An I(2) analysis of inflation and the markup

An I(2) analysis of Australian inflation and the markup is undertaken within an imperfect competition model. It is found that the levels of prices and costs are best characterised as integrated of order 2 and that a linear combination of the levels (which may be defined as the markup) cointegrates with price inflation. From the empirical analysis we obtain a long-run relationship where higher inflation is associated with a lower markup and vice versa. The impact in the long-run of inflation on the markup is interpreted as the cost to firms of overcoming missing information when adjusting prices in an inflationary environment

Macro economy, stock market and oil prices: Do meaningful relationships exist among their cyclical fluctuations?

This paper examines the relationship among consumer price index, industrial production, stock market and oil prices in Greece. Initially we use a unified statistical framework (cointegration and VECM) to study the data in levels. We then employ a multivariate VAR model to examine the relationship between the cyclical components of our series. The period of the study is from 1996:1 – 2008:6. Findings suggest that oil prices and the stock market exercise a positive effect on the Greek CPI, in the long run. Cyclical components analysis suggests that oil prices exercise significant negative influence to the stock market. In addition, oil prices are negatively influencing CPI, at a significant level. However, we find no effect of oil prices on industrial production and CPI. Finally, no relationship can be documented between the industrial production and stock market for the Greek market. The findings of this study are of a particular interest and importance to policy makers, financial managers, financial analysts and investors dealing with the Greek economy and the Greek stock market

Expected Returns and Expected Dividend Growth in Europe:Legal Origin, Institutional and Financial Determinants

This paper uses a present value approach to show that price movements for equity indices in a sample of European stock markets can be traced to legal origin, institutional, and corporate financial factors. The present value literature states that stock indices move due to changes either in discount rates, dividend growth, or a combination of the two. Empirically, little is known about the mechanism through which legal, institutional, and corporate financial factors influence these variables, especially in a European context. The current paper attempts to plug this gap in the literature. Using the state space approach, we show that although expected returns are highly persistent, expected dividend growth tends to vary across the sample. Movements in markets are mainly due to changes in the discount rate. However, there appears to be a difference in the proportion of movements attributable to discount rate and dividend growth components. Stock markets in civil law countries tend to have a stronger link with the dividend growth variables as well as market size and activity measures. Expected dividend growth is also driven by profitability factors in both types of country. By contrast, there is no strong evidence of corporate indicators influencing expected returns.</p