arXiv subjects

Marc Wildi

Publications and source records attributed to Marc Wildi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Forecasting on the Accuracy-Timeliness Frontier: Two Novel `Look Ahead' Predictors

We re-examine the traditional Mean-Squared Error (MSE) forecasting paradigm by formally integrating an accuracy-timeliness trade-off: accuracy is defined by MSE (or target correlation) and timeliness by advancement (or phase excess). While MSE-optimized predictors are accurate in tracking levels, they sacrifice dynamic lead, causing them to lag behind changing targets. To address this, we introduce two `look-ahead' frameworks--Decoupling-from-Present (DFP) and Peak-Correlation-Shifting (PCS)--and provide closed-form solutions for their optimization. Notably, the classical MSE predictor is shown to be a special case within these frameworks. Dually, our methods achieve maximum advancement for any given accuracy level, so our approach reveals the complete efficient frontier of the accuracy-timeliness trade-off, whereas MSE represents only a single point. We also derive a universal upper bound on lead over MSE for any linear predictor under a consistency constraint and prove that our methods hit this ceiling. We validate this approach through applications in forecasting and real-time signal extraction, introducing a leading-indicator criterion and tailored linear benchmarks.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2026

The Accuracy Smoothness Dilemma in Prediction: a Novel Multivariate M-SSA Forecast Approach

Forecasting presents a complex estimation challenge, as it involves balancing multiple, often conflicting, priorities and objectives. Conventional forecast optimization methods typically emphasize a single metric--such as minimizing the mean squared error (MSE)--which may neglect other crucial aspects of predictive performance. To address this limitation, the recently developed Smooth Sign Accuracy (SSA) framework extends the traditional MSE approach by simultaneously accounting for sign accuracy, MSE, and the frequency of sign changes in the predictor. This addresses a fundamental trade-off--the so-called accuracy-smoothness (AS) dilemma--in prediction. We extend this approach to the multivariate M-SSA, leveraging the original criterion to incorporate cross-sectional information across multiple time series. As a result, the M-SSA criterion enables the integration of various design objectives related to AS forecasting performance, effectively generalizing conventional MSE-based metrics. To demonstrate its practical applicability and versatility, we explore the application of the M-SSA in three primary domains: forecasting, real-time signal extraction (nowcasting), and smoothing. These case studies illustrate the framework's capacity to adapt to different contexts while effectively managing inherent trade-offs in predictive modelling.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2026

Sign Accuracy, Mean-Squared Error and the Rate of Zero Crossings: a Generalized Forecast Approach

Forecasting entails a complex estimation challenge, as it requires balancing multiple, often conflicting, priorities and objectives. Traditional forecast optimization criteria typically focus on a single metric -- such as minimizing the mean squared error (MSE) -- which may overlook other important aspects of predictive performance. In response, we introduce a novel approach called the Smooth Sign Accuracy (SSA) framework, which simultaneously considers sign accuracy, MSE, and the frequency of sign changes in the predictor. This addresses a fundamental trade-off (the so-called accuracy-smoothness (AS) dilemma) in prediction. The SSA criterion thus enables the integration of various design objectives related to AS forecasting performance, effectively generalizing conventional MSE-based metrics. We further extend this methodology to accommodate non-stationary, integrated processes, with particular emphasis on controlling the predictor's monotonicity. Moreover, we demonstrate the broad applicability of our approach through an application to, and customization of, established business cycle analysis tools, highlighting its versatility across diverse forecasting contexts.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2022

A Time Series Approach to Explainability for Neural Nets with Applications to Risk-Management and Fraud Detection

Artificial intelligence is creating one of the biggest revolution across technology driven application fields. For the finance sector, it offers many opportunities for significant market innovation and yet broad adoption of AI systems heavily relies on our trust in their outputs. Trust in technology is enabled by understanding the rationale behind the predictions made. To this end, the concept of eXplainable AI emerged introducing a suite of techniques attempting to explain to users how complex models arrived at a certain decision. For cross-sectional data classical XAI approaches can lead to valuable insights about the models' inner workings, but these techniques generally cannot cope well with longitudinal data (time series) in the presence of dependence structure and non-stationarity. We here propose a novel XAI technique for deep learning methods which preserves and exploits the natural time ordering of the data.

q-fin.RM↗