Abstract: Forecasts by rational agents contain embedded initial and
terminal boundary conditions. Standard time series models generate
two types of long-run "endpoints"---fixed endpoints and moving average
endpoints. Neither can explain the shifting endpoints implied by
postwar movements in the cross-section of forward rate forecasts in
the term structure or by post-1979 changes in survey estimates of
expected inflation. Multiperiod forecasts by a broader class of
"moving endpoint" time series models provide substantially improved
tracking of the historical term structure and generally support the
internal consistency of the ex ante long-run expectations of bond
traders and survey respondents.
Keywords: Boundary values, expected inflation, term structure
Full paper (208 KB PDF)
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Last update: July 16, 1997
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