Macroeconometric Forecasting and Analysis (MFA)

Source details

Target audience:
- Government officials involved in developing macro-econometric models and forecasting for the analysis, design, and implementation of macroeconomic policy.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in economics or eq. experience and a background in econometrics.
- Applicants should feel comfortable using EViews for econometric applications.
- Strongly recommended to have completed the online Macroeconometric Forecasting (MFx) course.

Purpose:
- To give government officials a rigorous foundation in the estimation of macro-econometric models and their application for nowcasting, forecasting, and policy analysis in central banks, ministries, and public research institutions.
Topics and methods:
- Univariate and multivariate econometric time series models.
- State-space models.
- Nowcasting techniques including Factor, BRIDGE, and MIDAS models.
Instructional format:
- Each topic includes a lecture discussing the underlying theory and a workshop with applications using EViews.
- Participants work in groups on hands-on estimation and forecasting exercises.
Software:
- EViews is the primary econometric package used for applications and workshops.

Upon completion, participants should be able to:
- Identify the foundations, characteristics and limitations for a number of econometric model specifications.
- Use EViews software to apply modeling techniques that enhance the policy analysis and forecasting capabilities in their institutions.
- Apply the techniques learned to country cases from their region to forecast and analyze a policy issue.
- Apply appropriate tools available in the EViews econometric package to their own work or research and that of other countries.