Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-2n9c9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-14T16:53:24.462Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

TESTING FOR A SHIFT IN TREND AT AN UNKNOWN DATE: A FIXED-B ANALYSIS OF HETEROSKEDASTICITY AUTOCORRELATION ROBUST OLS-BASED TESTS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2011

Özgen Sayginsoy
Affiliation:
Barclays
Timothy J. Vogelsang*
Affiliation:
Michigan State University
*
*Address correspondence to Tim Vogelsang, Department of Economics, Michigan State University, 110 Marshall-Adams Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1038, USA; e-mail: tjv@msu.edu.
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the 'Save PDF' action button.

This paper analyzes tests for a shift in the trend function of a time series at an unknown date based on ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates of the trend function. Inference about the trend parameters depends on the serial correlation structure of the data through the long-run variance (zero frequency spectral density) of the errors. Asymptotically pivotal tests can be obtained by the use of serial correlation robust standard errors that require an estimate of the long-run variance. The focus is on the class of nonparametric kernel estimators of the long-run variance. Tests based on these estimators present two problems for practitioners. The first is the choice of kernel and bandwidth. The second is the well-known overrejection problem caused by strong serial correlation (or a possible unit root) in the errors.We provide solutions to both problems by using the fixed-b asymptotic framework of Kiefer and Vogelsang (2005, Econometric Theory, 21, 1130–1164) in conjunction with the scaling factor approach of Vogelsang (1998, Econometrica 65, 123–148). Our results provide practitioners with a family of OLS-based trend function structural change tests that are size robust to the presence of strong serial correlation or a unit root. Specific recommendations are provided for the tuning parameters (kernel and bandwidth) in a way that maximizes asymptotic integrated power.

Information

Type
ARTICLES
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011