Monte Carlo Analysis of Forecast Error Variance Decompositions under Alternative Model Identification Schemes

The goal of the paper is to investigate the estimation precision of forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD) based on stable structural vector autoregressive models identified using short‑run and long‑run restrictions. The analysis is performed by means of Monte Carlo experiments. It is demonstrated that for processes with roots close to one, selected FEVD parameters can be esti­mated more accurately using recursive restrictions on the long‑run multipliers than under recursive restrictions on the impact effects of shocks. This finding contributes to the discussion of pros and cons of using alternative identification schemes by providing counterexamples for the notion that short‑run identifying restrictions lead to smaller estimation errors than long‑run restrictions.