Multiple Wavelet Coherency Analysis and Forecasting of Metal Prices

Abstract

The assessment of co-movement among metals is crucial to better understand the behaviors of the metal prices and the interactions with others that affect the changes in prices. In this study, both Wavelet Analysis and VARMA (Vector Autoregressive Moving Average) models are utilized. First, Multiple Wavelet Coherence (MWC), where Wavelet Analysis is needed, is utilized to determine dynamic correlation time interval and scales. VARMA is then used for forecasting which results in reduced errors. The daily prices of steel, aluminium, copper and zinc between 10.05.2010 and 29.05.2014 are analyzed via wavelet analysis to highlight the interactions. Results uncover interesting dynamics between mentioned metals in the time-frequency space. VARMA (1,1) model forecasting is carried out considering the daily prices between 14.11.2011 and 16.11.2012 where the interactions are quite high and prediction errors are found quite limited with respect to ARMA(1.1). It is shown that dynamic co-movement detection via four variables wavelet coherency analysis in the determination of VARMA time interval enables to improve forecasting power of ARMA by decreasing forecasting errors.