# (Stata13): VAR Estimation and Diagnostics : CrunchEconometrix

How can you explain a vector autoregressive (VAR) model?

The word “autoregressive” indicates the presence of the lagged values of the dependent variable on the right-hand side of the equation. The word “vector” implies that the system contains a vector of two or more variables.

A VAR model is constructed only if the variables are integrated of order one. That is, stationary after first difference. If the variables are cointegrated, construct both short-run (VAR) and long-run (VEC) models.

If variables are NOT cointegrated, construct only the short-run (VAR) model. All the variables in a VAR system are endogenous; there are no exogenous variables. The stochastic error terms are often called impulses, or innovations or shocks. All variables in the system have equal lags.

VAR must be specified in levels, hence VAR in differences is a mis-specification!

The VAR model is estimated by ordinary least squares (OLS).

Deciding on the maximum lag length, (an empirical issue). If you use too many lags, you will lose many degrees of freedom, incur statistically insignificant coefficients and multicollinearity. If there are too few lags, there may be specification errors. So, choose optimal lags using the information criterion: AIC, SC, HQIC etc.

Also, the interpretation of the short-run coefficients is as in any other linear model; they are ceteris-paribus effects and inference can be based on the usual OLS standard errors and test statistics.

What are some of the reasons for estimating VAR model? (1) Because there is no cointegration among the variables in the system; (2) to establish causal relationships; (3) to simulate shocks to the system and trace out the effects of shocks on the endogenous variables; (4) for forecasting (decomposing shocks to the VAR system).

[Watch video clip on VAR estimation and diagnostics]

## 2 Replies to “(Stata13): VAR Estimation and Diagnostics : CrunchEconometrix”

1. neffati nizar says:

Dear Professor,
I estimate a VAR model with 4 endogenous variables and 1 exogenous for control. The varsoc command gives a 2 lag order. When i perform a post estimation test for autocorrelation H0 was rejected for order 1 and 2. In this case What i need to do ?

1. siteadmin says:

Hi Neffati,
Apologies for my late response. If that is the case, estimate the model using higher-order lags and use a log-linear model if possible. Please it is possible to receive a faster response if you post on the comment section of the respective YouTube video. Thanks for watching and sharing my videos, deeply appreciated!
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