Smooth and Abrupt Dynamics in Financial Volatility: the MS-MEM-MIDAS

TitleSmooth and Abrupt Dynamics in Financial Volatility: the MS-MEM-MIDAS
Publication TypeWorking Paper
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsL. Scaffidi Domianello, , Gallo, GM, Otranto, E
Number22_05
ISBN Number978 88 68514 372
Keywordsmarkov switching, MIDAS, Multiplicative Error Model, realized volatility, Short– and Long–Run Components
Abstract

In this paper we remark that the evolution of the realized volatility is characterized by a combination between high–frequency dynamics and a smoother persistent dynamics evolving at a lower–frequency. We suggest a new Multiplicative Error Model which combines the mixed frequency features of a MIDAS with Markovian dynamics. When estimated in–sample on the realized kernel volatility of the S&P500 index, this model dominates other simpler specifications, especially when monthly aggregated realized volatility is used. The same pattern is confirmed in the out–of–sample forecasting performance which suggests that adding an abrupt change in the average level of volatility better helps in tracking extreme episodes of volatility and a relative quick absorption of the shocks.

Citation Key7366
AttachmentSize
PDF icon wp-05-22.pdf2.57 MB