arXiv 16 Jan 2026 · Econometrics
arXiv:2601.11195 · PDF · DOI · OpenAlex · Extracted main text
This paper develops a framework for robust identification in SVARs when researchers face a zoo of proxy variables. Instead of imposing exact exogeneity, we introduce generalized ranking restrictions (GRR) that bound the relative correlation of each proxy with the target and non-target shocks through a continuous proxy-quality parameter. Combining GRR with standard sign and narrative restrictions, we characterize identified sets for structural impulse responses and show how to partially identify the proxy-quality parameter using the joint information contained in the proxy zoo. We further develop sensitivity and diagnostic tools that allow researchers to assess transparently how empirical conclusions depend on proxy exogeneity assumptions and the composition of the proxy zoo. A simulation study shows that proxies constructed from sign restrictions can induce biased proxy-SVAR estimates, while our approach delivers informative and robust identified sets. An application to U.S.\ monetary policy illustrates the empirical relevance and computational tractability of the framework.
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The works this paper leans on most, across its whole bibliography — not restricted to papers in our corpus. Ranked by composite intensity, which combines how often a work is mentioned, how many sections mention it, and how much of that falls in the main text rather than the appendix.
| Reference | Intensity | Mentions | Sections | Main text | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mertens, Karel and Ravn, Morten O The Dynamic Effects of Personal and Corporate Income Tax Changes in the United States | 1.000 | 7 | 3 | 100% |
| 2 | Uhlig, Harald What are the effects of monetary policy on output? Results from an agnostic identification procedure | 1.000 | 5 | 3 | 100% |
| 3 | Masten, Matthew A. and Poirier, Alexandre Inference on breakdown frontiers | 0.928 | 4 | 3 | 100% |
| 4 | Smets, Frank and Wouters, Rafael Shocks and Frictions in US Business Cycles: A Bayesian DSGE Approach | 0.874 | 6 | 2 | 100% |
| 5 | Baumeister, Christiane and Hamilton, James D Structural Interpretation of Vector Autoregressions with Incomplete Identification: Revisiting the Role of Oil Supply and Demand… | 0.843 | 4 | 4 | 75% |
| 6 | Sargan, J. D The Estimation of Economic Relationships using Instrumental Variables | 0.843 | 4 | 4 | 75% |
| 7 | Miranda-Agrippino, Silvia and Ricco, Giovanni The Transmission of Monetary Policy Shocks | 0.843 | 4 | 3 | 75% |
| 8 | Ottonello, Pablo and Song, Wenting Financial Intermediaries and the Macroeconomy: Evidence from a High-Frequency Identification | 0.843 | 4 | 3 | 75% |
| 9 | Braun, Robin and Brüggemann, Ralf Identification of SVAR Models by Combining Sign Restrictions With External Instruments | 0.843 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 10 | Jarociński, Marek and Karadi, Peter Deconstructing Monetary Policy Surprises–- The Role of Information Shocks | 0.843 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
Showing the top 10 of 56 scored citations.