# Simulation smoothing for nowcasting with large mixed-frequency VARs

## TL;DR

This paper introduces two algorithms to improve the computational efficiency of simulation smoothing in large mixed-frequency VARs, enabling better nowcasting in high-dimensional macroeconomic models.

## Contribution

The paper proposes an adaptive algorithm that enhances simulation smoothing efficiency for large mixed-frequency VARs, facilitating high-dimensional nowcasting applications.

## Key findings

- Significant speed improvements with the adaptive algorithm
- Enables high-dimensional mixed-frequency VAR estimation
- Provides a key tool for macroeconomic nowcasting

## Abstract

There is currently an increasing interest in large vector autoregressive (VAR) models. VARs are popular tools for macroeconomic forecasting and use of larger models has been demonstrated to often improve the forecasting ability compared to more traditional small-scale models. Mixed-frequency VARs deal with data sampled at different frequencies while remaining within the realms of VARs. Estimation of mixed-frequency VARs makes use of simulation smoothing, but using the standard procedure these models quickly become prohibitive in nowcasting situations as the size of the model grows. We propose two algorithms that alleviate the computational efficiency of the simulation smoothing algorithm. Our preferred choice is an adaptive algorithm, which augments the state vector as necessary to sample also monthly variables that are missing at the end of the sample. For large VARs, we find considerable improvements in speed using our adaptive algorithm. The algorithm therefore provides a crucial building block for bringing the mixed-frequency VARs to the high-dimensional regime.