Estimation of structural vector autoregressive models

Abstract

In this survey, estimation methods for structural vector autoregressive models are presented in a systematic way. Both frequentist and Bayesian methods are considered. Depending on the model setup and type of restrictions, least squares estimation, instrumental variables estimation, method-of-moments estimation and generalized method-of-moments are considered. The methods are presented in a unified framework that enables a practitioner to find the most suitable estimation method for a given model setup and set of restrictions. It is emphasized that specifying the identifying restrictions such that they are linear restrictions on the structural parameters is helpful. Examples are provided to illustrate alternative model setups, types of restrictions and the most suitable corresponding estimation methods.