Abstract
Variance decomposition is a classical statistical method in multivariate analysis for uncovering simplifying structures in a large set of variables (for example, Anderson, 2003). For example, factor analysis or principal components are tools that are in widespread use. Factor analytic methods have, for instance, been used extensively in economic forecasting (see for example, Forni et al. 2000; Stock and Watson, 2002). In macroeconomic analysis the term ‘variance decomposition’ or, more precisely, ‘forecast error variance decomposition’ is used more narrowly for a specific tool for interpreting the relations between variables described by vector autoregressive (VAR) models. These models were advocated by Sims (1980) and used since then by many economists and econometricians as alternatives to classical simultaneous equations models. Sims criticized the way the latter models were specified, and questioned in particular the exogeneity assumptions common in simultaneous equations modelling.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Bibliography
Anderson, T. 2003. An Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Analysis, 3rd edn. New York: John Wiley.
Benkwitz, A., Lütkepohl, H. and Neumann, M. 2000. Problems related to bootstrapping impulse responses of autoregressive processes. Econometric Reviews 19, 69–103.
Blanchard, O. and Quah, D. 1989. The dynamic effects of aggregate demand and supply disturbances. American Economic Review 79, 655–73.
Forni, M., Hallin, M., Lippi, M. and Reichlin, L. 2000. The generalized dynamic factor model: identification and estimation. Review of Economics and Statistics 82, 540–52.
Lütkepohl, H. 1990. Asymptotic distributions of impulse response functions and forecast error variance decompositions of vector autoregressive models. Review of Economics and Statistics 72, 116–25.
Lütkepohl, H. 2005. New Introduction to Multiple Time Series Analysis. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.
Sims, C. 1980. Macroeconomics and reality. Econometrica 48, 1–48.
Stock, J. and Watson, M. 2002. Forecasting using principal components from a large number of predictors. Journal of the American Statistical Association 97, 1167–79.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2010 Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Lütkepohl, H. (2010). Variance Decomposition. In: Durlauf, S.N., Blume, L.E. (eds) Macroeconometrics and Time Series Analysis. The New Palgrave Economics Collection. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230280830_38
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230280830_38
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-23885-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-28083-0
eBook Packages: Palgrave Economics & Finance CollectionEconomics and Finance (R0)