The aim of this paper is to construct a forecasting model oriented on predicting basic macroeconomic variables, namely: the GDP growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the consumer price inflation. In order to select the set of the best regressors, Bayesian Averaging of Classical Estimators (BACE) is employed. The models are atheoretical (i.e. they do not reflect causal relationships postulated by the macroeconomic theory) and the role of regressors is played by business and consumer tendency survey-based indicators. Additionally, survey-based indicators are included with a lag that enables to forecast the variables of interest (GDP, unemployment, and inflation) for the four forthcoming quarters without the need to make any additional assumptions concerning the values of predictor variables in the forecast period. Bayesian Averaging of Classical Estimators is a method allowing for full and controlled overview of all econometric models which can be obtained out of a particular set of regressors. In this paper authors describe the method of generating a family of econometric models and the procedure for selection of a final forecasting model. Verification of the procedure is performed by means of out-of-sample forecasts of main economic variables for the quarters of 2011. The accuracy of the forecasts implies that there is still a need to search for new solutions in the atheoretical modelling.
IntroductionThe main aim of this paper is to construct a model that would accurately forecast basic macroeconomic indicators, i.e. the GDP growth rate (GDP), the consumer price inflation (CPI), and the unemployment rate (UNE) measured in line with the methodology of the Polish Labour Force Survey (BAEL). The model presented in this paper is by definition atheoretical, i.e. its specification does not intend to reflect the causal relations driven from the economic theory. Additionally, it is based on the results of business and consumer tendency surveys.The events of the crisis period proved that Diebold's concern about macroeconomic forecasting was justified.Dynamic simultaneous equations models, general equilibrium models, dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models and vector autoregressive (VAR) models were predominantly unable to generate accurate short-term macroeconomic predictions in that period.The concept of an atheoretical model construction was proposed by Sargent andSims (1977) andSims (1980). The idea was either acknowledged or criticised for being "atheoretical macroeconomics" (Cooley & LeRoy, 1985