Predictability in Financial Analyst Forecast Errors: Learning or Irrationality?
Posted: 24 May 2003
There are 2 versions of this paper
Predictability in Financial Analyst Forecast Errors: Learning or Irrationality?
Date Written: February 2003
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a rational learning-based explanation for the predictability in financial analysts' earnings forecast errors documented in prior literature. In particular, we argue that the serial correlation pattern in analysts' quarterly earnings forecast errors is consistent with an environment in which analysts face parameter uncertainty and learn rationally about the parameters over time. Using simulations, we show that the predictability evidence is more consistent with rational learning than with irrationality (fixation on a seasonal random walk model or some other dogmatic belief).
JEL Classification: G29, M41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation