We compare four different forecasting models to a benchmark model that makes a “no change”
forecast–the random walk model. One of our four models uses factors but no other variables to forecast.
The other three use factors along with some measures of observable fundamentals. The three measures of
observable fundamentals are: (1)those of a “Taylor rule” model; (2)those of a monetary model;
(3)deviations from purchasing power parity (PPP). Our measure of forecasting performance is root mean
squared prediction error (root MSPE).