A unit root test based on smooth transitions and nonlinear adjustment

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a new unit root testing procedure which considers jointly for structural breaks and nonlinear adjustment. The structural breaks are modeled by means of a logistic smooth transition function and nonlinear adjustment is modeled by means of an ESTAR model. The empirical size of test is quite close to the nominal one and in terms of power; the new unit root test is generally superior to the alternative test. The new unit root test presents good size properties and does not lead to over-rejections of the null hypothesis of the unit root.

Keywords:

• Smooth transitions
• nonlinearity
• unit root
• ESTAR
• PPP Hypothesis

JEL Classification:

• C12
• C22

Notes

1 The WinRATS codes to employ empirical application are available upon request.