Bayesian Estimation of DSGE Models with Hamiltonian Monte Carlo

Research Area: Macroeconomics
Researcher: Mátyás Farkas,
Balint Tatar
Date: 1.8.2020
Abstract:

In this paper we adapt the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) estimator to DSGE models, a method presently used in various fields due to its superior sampling and diagnostic properties. We implement it into a state-of-the-art, freely available high-performance software package, Stan. We estimate a small scale textbook New-Keynesian model and the Smets-Wouters model using US data. Our results and sampling diagnostics confirm the parameter estimates available in existing literature. In addition, we find bimodality in the Smets-Wouters model even if we estimate the model using the original tight priors. Finally, we combine the HMC framework with the Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm to create a powerful tool which permits the estimation of DSGE models with ill-behaved posterior densities.

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