Analyzing Strongly Periodic Series in the Frequency Domain: A Comparison of Alternative Approaches with Applications

Abstract

Strongly periodic series occur frequently in many disciplines. This paper reviews one specific approach to analyzing such series viz. the harmonic regression approach. In this paper, the five major methods suggested under this approach are critically reviewed and compared, and their empirical potential highlighted via two applications. The out-of-sample forecast comparisons are made using the Superior Predictive Ability test, which specifically guards against the perils of data snooping. Certain tentative conclusions are drawn regarding the relative forecasting ability of the different methods.

Keywords: autoregressive methods, data snooping, dynamic harmonic regression, eigenvalue methods, mixed spectrum, multiple forecast comparisons

JEL Classification: C22, C53