The
Package
TSM v4.26 is a comprehensive package
for linear and nonlinear time series modelling. It will estimate
and forecast ARIMA
and ARFIMA models, several GARCH, FIGARCH, APARCH and EGARCH variants,
bilinear models, Markov-switching and smooth transition models. Most model
features can be freely combined, and a flexible and
intuitive formula-coding feature allows virtually any model to be set up.
Alternatively, user-supplied Ox code can be integrated
with the other features of the package. Dynamic equations systems can be specified and estimated
easily, options including VARs, simultaneous systems, error correction systems, multivariate GARCH
and regime switching.
A comprehensive set of diagnostic tools is implemented, including Q tests, LM tests, moment tests and parameter stability tests. Other features include nonparametric regression, log-periodogram regression, recursive and rolling estimation, automated model selection, Monte Carlo forecasting of general nonlinear time series models, and parametric bootstrap tests and confidence intervals. Cointegration analysis options include Johansen's rank tests, and MINIMAL analysis of restrictions on the cointegrating space. Any model that can estimated can also be stochastically simulated, and Monte Carlo experiments can be performed with any combination of models for simulation and estimation. Data can be input from suitably formatted text files and spreadsheet formats such as .xls, .csv, .wks or .in7 (OxMetrics format), and transformed and edited interactively. In the latest beta release, panel data analysis is implemented.
The program comes with a platform-independent graphical user interface (GUI) — see the screenshots — and comprehensive graphics capabilities.It has special features designed to optimize the package for teaching, such as a simplified interface option, and the ability to distribute data and model specifications for classroom exercises in a single settings file - see the sample class exercises now available for download. Alternatively, TSM can be called from a user's Ox program and return the results to the console or a text file.
Compared to the leading commercial econometrics packages, TSM is a bargain. It is very easy to use, has all the facilities one would expect of a standard regression package, yet also offers a unique range of time series models, techniques and special features.
Ox
TSM runs under Jurgen Doornik's Ox 4
programming system, see
http://www.doornik.com/.
Knowledge of Ox is not a requirement, however, and its function is
transparent to the user in normal use. Ox Console is freeware for academic teaching
and research purposes, but not to non-academic users — in particular,
businesses and government agencies. A TSM licence will be supplied to such
users only on the explicit understanding that it will be used with Ox
Professional 4 or 5, not the free console version. Purchasing
information for Ox is obtainable from Timberlake
Consultants Ltd at
http://www.timberlake.co.uk/. The latest
console version, as of March 2007, is Ox 4.10. Upgrading from earlier versions of Ox
4 is recommended, to fix a potential problem with reading .xls files.
Java
Runtime Environment
The Windows or Unix/Linux graphical user interfaces are
provided by the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which must be separately
installed on the user's system. The JRE is a free download from Sun
Microsystems at
http://java.com/. Even if
your system has Java pre-installed, it's well worth upgrading to the latest
version (currently JRE Version 6). Versions 5 and later provide the Windows
XP-style expandable file dialog, and generally smoother operation. (Linux
users, please see the installation notes about JRE versions.)
Installing TSM
Install Ox and the JRE first. Then, for Windows
installation, simply run the setup file tsmod4.??-??-??-??_setup.exe to create
directories, copy files and set up the shortcuts needed to run the
program. Here, ??-??-?? denotes the version number. Uninstall TSM using the
"Add-Remove Programs" applet in the Windows control panel, or the Start
Menu
shortcut. For Linux/Unix installation, manual installation is necessary.
Download the file tsmod4.??-??-??-??.zip, extract its contents, and follow the
instructions in Appendix A in docs/tsmod4app.pdf.
Purchase Information
TSM can be downloaded freely to run in demonstration
mode, with a restricted capacity (number of observations x number of
parameters <
500). A personal licence code to unlock the fully functional
version can be purchased at the price of £65 (GBP).
A personal licence entitles the holder to run the
fully functional software, including all future upgrades of TSM Version 4,
on one or more machines. The name of the licence holder is displayed in the
results window at start-up.
Click the Buy Now button to
make a PayPal or credit card payment. At the same
time, please send me an email to let me know to expect
your payment. When payment is received, a personal licence
code will be sent
to the email address you supply. Your order will be processed as quickly as
possible, which in most cases means within 24 hours.
By
default, the registered licence holder's name will be the name appearing in
the PayPal billing details. To register a different name (which must be the
person's full name, not a nickname or initials) the
email accompanying your order
should give the
purchaser's name and desired registered name.
PayPal accounts cannot be created from some countries. In this case
contact me to arrange another method e.g.
electronic bank transfer or personal cheque.
Multi-User Licences
An institutional multi-user licence for network or
classroom use (minimum 10 users) can be purchased for £65 plus £20 for each additional simultaneous user. The
name of the department/institution, and the usage limit, are displayed at
start-up.
An institutional limited term licence permits any
number of users for periods of six months (price £100) or one year
(price £160). This licencing mode allows students to run the software
on their personal computers. The name of the department/institution and the
expiry date are displayed at start-up. The program reverts to demonstration
mode after the expiry date.
*
Limited term licences are offered to permanent site licence holders at a 60%
discount (i.e. £40 for 6 months and £64 for 1 year).
* Limited term licence-holders purchasing a permanent multi-user
licence within 3 months of expiry receive a refund of 90% of the original purchase
price. Please contact me for further information
about site licences.
Upgrades
TSM is still under constant development.
New features and refinements to the interface are added
regularly, and bugs are fixed as soon as they are discovered or reported.
This means that upgrades
are posted to this site quite frequently.
The names of download files include the version number,
so it is easy to check if you are up to date. Once you have installed the
main package, upgrading is a quick and easy
process. Under Windows, simply run install without uninstalling. Your folder
specifications will then be retained. Previous versions remain posted in case of any teething problem with
the latest release.
TSM Discussion List ...
revived!
To sign up to
the new list, go to
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/.
The list is called TSM-USERS.
Teaching Materials
The file
TSM_Exercises.zip contains a set of exported ".tsm" settings files and
accompanying exercise sheets. These materials illustrate how TSM can be set
up for use in the classroom. Data, models, and preferred program settings
can be distributed to students in a single file. Simply double-clicking on
the file in Windows Explorer starts TSM and creates the data file and
ancillary files in the student's work space automatically. The examples
include regression exercises with the CAPM, and simple Monte Carlo
experiments to illustrate econometric concepts such as bias, efficiency and
test size and power. Download the file here.
Supplementary Coded Tests
TSM now features improved methods for
running user-coded Ox modules. making it easy for researchers to share experimental code with other TSM users.
Simply load a specially exported settings file into TSM to un-bundle and
load the code. The posting below demonstrates the new technology.
The TSM settings file Subsample Cointegration Tests.tsm contains bundled Ox code for the tests described in the paper "Tests for cointegration with structural breaks based on subsamples" by James Davidson and Andrea Monticini. Models to run the tests, and also to generate cointegrated data with breaks for use in simulation experiments are preinstalled. For programmers who like to do it themselves and can provide their own code for the basic test statistics, the Ox code file itself is here.
Support
Feedback from users is always welcome,
whether :-) with praise and suggestions for improvements
and new features, or :-( to report crashes and other unexpected behaviour, or errors in
the documentation.
Perfecting the software is a high priority, and users will be
assisted promptly with
operational problems. Should a bug be reported, I
will try to get the update online within a few days at most.
However, routine support – setting up the program, understanding the methods,
explaining
the documentation, etc. –
cannot be guaranteed. The low price of the software
reflects this limitation. Satisfy yourself that
TSM functions correctly on your
system in "demo" mode, before purchasing a licence.
If you have trouble with numerical optimizations, please consult the
relevant section of "Hints and Tips" before contacting me.
Contact
The email address for
all inquiries is tsmail at timeseriesmodelling dot
com,
where "at" and "dot" should be replaced by the usual symbols.