Quantitative Economics
Journal Of The Econometric Society
Edited by: Stéphane Bonhomme • Print ISSN: 1759-7323 • Online ISSN: 1759-7331
Quantitative Economics: Nov, 2017, Volume 8, Issue 3
How to solve dynamic stochastic models computing expectations just once
Kenneth L. Judd, Lilia Maliar, Serguei Maliar, Inna Tsener
We introduce a computational technique—precomputation of integrals—that makes it possible to construct conditional expectation functions in dynamic stochastic models in the initial stage of a solution procedure. This technique is very general: it works for a broad class of approximating functions, including piecewise polynomials; it can be applied to both Bellman and Euler equations; and it is compatible with both continuous‐state and discrete‐state shocks. In the case of normally distributed shocks, the integrals can be constructed in a closed form. After the integrals are precomputed, we can solve stochastic models as if they were deterministic. We illustrate this technique using one‐ and multi‐agent growth models with continuous‐state shocks (and up to 60 state variables), as well as Aiyagari's (1994) model with discrete‐state shocks. Precomputation of integrals saves programming efforts, reduces computational burden, and increases the accuracy of solutions. It is of special value in computationally intense applications. MATLAB codes are provided.
Dynamic model precomputation numerical integration dynamic programming value function iteration Bellman equation Euler equation envelope condition method endogenous grid method Aiyagari model C61 C63 C68
Supplemental Material
Supplement to "How to solve dynamic stochastic models computing expectations just once"
Supplement to "How to solve dynamic stochastic models computing expectations just once"
Supplement to "How to solve dynamic stochastic models computing expectations just once"
Journal News
March 5, 2024
Announcing the New Journal Editors
The terms of the Editors of the Econometric Society's three journals end June 30, 2025. We are pleased to announce the incoming Editors and to thank the outgoing Editors for their excellent and continuing service.
Econometrica: Since 2019, Guido Imbens has served as the 14th Editor of Econometrica. On July 1, 2025, Marina Halac will become the Editor.
Quantitative Economics: Stéphane Bonhomme has been the Editor of Quantitative Economics since 2021. His successor will be Bernard Salanié.
Theoretical Economics: The Editor of Theoretical Economics since 2021 has been Simon Board. Taking over for him in July 2025 will be Federico Echenique.
Guido, Stéphane, and Simon have been outstanding Editors. We are grateful to them for the work they have done and will continue to do, and we look forward to further congratulating them next year. We believe Marina, Bernard, and Federico will be outstanding successors and we thank them in advance for their service.
Finally, we are grateful to Larry Samuelson for chairing all three search committees, and we thank the search committee members for their hard and fruitful work:
Econometrica: Christian Dustmann, Lars Hansen, Alessandro Lizzeri, George Mailath, Ariel Pakes, Helene Rey, and Elie Tamer.
QE: Kate Ho, Michael Keane, Felix Kubler, Whitney Newey, and Frank Schorfheide.
TE: Jeff Ely, Johannes Horner, Gilat Levy, Meg Meyer, and Ran Spiegler.
