Predictive Regressions with Time-Varying Coefficients

Abstract

We evaluate predictive regressions that explicitly consider the time-variation of coefficients in a comprehensive Bayesian framework. For monthly returns of the S&P 500 index, we demonstrate statistical as well as economic evidence of out-of-sample predictability: relative to an investor using the historic mean, an investor using our methodology could have earned consistently positive utility gains (between 1.8 and 5.8% p.a. over different time periods). We also find that predictive models with constant coefficients are dominated by models with time-varying coefficients. Finally, we show a strong link between out-of-sample predictability and the business cycle.

Keywords: Empirical asset pricing, equity return prediction, Bayesian econometrics

JEL Classification: G12, C11