AØKK08204U Advanced Macroeconometrics (F)

Volume 2017/2018
Education

MSc programme in Economics – elective course

The course is part of the Financial line at the MSc programme in Economics,   symbolized by ‘F’.

The course is an admission requirement for the 5+3 PhD Programme in Economics.

 

The PhD Programme in Economics at the Department of Economics - elective course with resarch module (PhD students must contact the study administration and the lecturer in order to write the research assignment)

Content

The focus of this course is on likelihood based analysis of the cointegrated VAR model with an emphasis on applicability, particularly in the field of macroeconomics and international finance. Cointegration analysis is a means to uncover, estimate and test stationary relations among non-stationary variables. The reason why this is interesting is that such stationary relations often can be interpreted as equilibrium relations between economic variables. Within the cointegrated VAR model it is possible to investigate dynamic interaction and feed-back effects, in particular how deviations from a steady-state relation affect the economic system. Furthermore, it is also possible to make inference on the common driving trends which have generated the non-stationarity of the data. The reason why this is interesting is that these common trends can be interpreted in terms of unanticipated shocks to the variables of the system. In short the cointegrated VAR model allows us to investigate the economic reality as a system of pulling forces (the equilibrium correction forces) and the pushing forces (the common stochastic trends). The course includes the topics:

(i) Introduction to central concepts: vector autoregressive processes, error-correction models, non-stationary processes and cointegration. (ii) Representation of cointegrated processes. (iii) Estimation and testing in the cointegrated VAR model. (iv) Introduction to processes integrated of order 2.

Learning Outcome

The aim of this course is to provide the students with a profound theoretical and practical knowledge of the econometric analysis of non-stationary time-series using multivariate dynamic models. At the end of the course students should be able to perform cointegration analyses based on a given set of data and critically assess empirical analyses of macroeconomic time series.

Knowledge:

  • The distinction between stationary and nonstationary variables.

  • The implication of unit roots in VAR models.

  • The pulling and pushing forces in the cointegrated VAR model, and the Granger representation theorem.

  • The role of constants, trend terms, and dummy variables in the cointegrated VAR model.

  • Hypothesis testing and identification in the cointegrated VAR model.

  • The asymptotic behavior of estimators and test statistics.

  • The cointegration model for variables integrated of order two. 
     

Skills:

  • Specify and estimate VAR models.

  • Analyze whether the VAR model is well-specified and has constant parameters. 

  • Formulate the hypotheses of unit roots and cointegration as restrictions on the VAR model. Test for the cointegration rank of the VAR model. 

  • Estimate the parameters of the cointegrated VAR model using maximum likelihood. Interpret the results in terms of equilibrium relationships and driving common trends. 

  • Formulate and test hypotheses on the cointegrating relationships and the equilibrium adjustments.

  • Explain when a structure is exact-, under- or overidentified. 

  • Impose identifying restrictions on the long-run and short-run structure of the model. 

  • Analyze the VAR model for variables integrated of order two and perform a nominal-to-real transformation. 

Compentencies:

After having completed the course, the students should have competencies to apply the obtained knowledge and skills to analyses of new data sets. In particular to:

  • Independently formulate and analyze VAR models for new economic problems.

  • Test for unit roots and cointegration.

  • Formulate hypotheses on the model inspired from economic theory.

  • Apply the theoretical results to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms governing the dynamics of a certain data set.

  • Use the theory and apply the model also in the case of processes integrated of order two.

 

Main textbooks: 
Juselius, K. (2007): The Cointegrated VAR Model: Methodology and Applications, Oxford University Press. 

Additional Material: 
Johansen, S. (1996): Likelihood Based Inference in Cointegrated Vector Autoregressive Models, Oxford University Press.

Basic knowledge of time series econometrics, autoregressive processes, theory for likmelihood estimation and hypothesis testing and unit root testing.
Teaching is based on lectures and exercise classes.
Schedule:
2 hours lectures 1 to 2 times a week from week 6 to 20 (except holidays).
2 hours exercise classes once a week from week 6 or 7 to 21 (except holidays).

The overall schema for the Master can be seen at
https:/​/​intranet.ku.dk/​ECONOMICS_MA/​COURSES/​COURSECATALOGUE-F18/​Pages/​default.aspx


Timetable and venue:
To see the time and location of lectures and exercise classes please press the link/links under "Se skema" (See schedule) at the right side of this page (E means Autumn, F means Spring). The lectures is shown in each link.

You can find the similar information partly in English at
https:/​/​skema.ku.dk/​ku1718/​uk/​module.htm
-Select Department: “2200-Økonomisk Institut” (and wait for respond)
-Select Module:: “2200-F18; [Name of course]”
-Select Report Type: “List – Weekdays”
-Select Period: “Forår/Spring – Week 5-30”
Press: “ View Timetable”

Please be aware regarding exercise classes:
- The schedule of the exercise classes is only a pre-planned schedule and can be changed until just before the teaching begins without the participants accept. If this happens it will be informed at the intranet or can be seen in the app myUCPH and at the above link.
- If too many students have wished a specific class, students will be registered randomly at another class.
- It is not possible to change class after the second registration period has expired.
- If there is not enough registered students or available teachers the exercise classes may be jointed.
- The student is not allowed to participate in an exercise class not registered, because the room has only seats for the amount of registered student.
- The teacher of the exercise class cannot correct assignments from other students than the registered students in the exercise class except with group work across the classes.
- That the study administration allocates the students to the exercise classes according to the principles stated in the KUnet.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Exam
  • 24
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 112
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, 48 hours
individual take-home exam. It is not allowed to collaborate on the assignment with anyone.
The exam assignment is given in English and must be answered in English.
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Exam registration requirements

None

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Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
The course can be selected for external assessment.
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Exam period

The take-home exam takes place from

June 9, 2018 from 10 a.m. to June 11, 10 a.m.

 

For enrolled students more information about examination, rules, exam schedule, venue etc. is available at the intranet for master students (UK)andmaster students (DK)

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Re-exam

The take-home reexam takes place from

August 25, 2018 from 10 a.m. to August 27, 10 am

 

If only a few students have registered for the written re-exam, the reexam might change to an oral exam including the date, time and venue for the exam, which will be informed  by the Examination Office.

 

For enrolled students more information about reexamination, rules, schedule. venue etc. is available at the intranet for master students (UK) and master students (DK).

Criteria for exam assesment

Students are assessed on the extent to which they master the learning outcome for the course.

To receive the top grade, the student must with no or only a few minor weaknesses be able to demonstrate an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material and can make use of the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in the learning outcomes.

In particular, the student should be able to independently analyze new data sets using the tools and theories covered in the course. This includes construction of VAR model for the data and a discussion and testing of the underlying assumptions. Determination of the cointegration properties. Formulation and test of relevant hypotheses on the cointegrating relations and the short-term adjustment. Be able to analyze models for data integrated of order two.