Key Features

RATS (Regression Analysis of Time Series) is a fast, efficient, and comprehensive time series analysis and econometrics software package. RATS makes simple tasks easy to accomplish, while its command-driven interface and extensive programmability also make it a very flexible and powerful tool for more complex jobs.

The Windows and Macintosh versions feature an interactive editor that allows you to create, test, and run RATS programs; view, save, and print text and graphs; access on-line help; and much more. While running in interactive mode, you can quickly experiment with different models or procedures, without having to repeat earlier steps each time.

All versions of RATS also offer batch mode operation. In batch mode, RATS automatically reads and executes instructions from one or more input files, and saves the output to disk.

Statistical Features

Estimation Techniques

    • Multiple regressions including stepwise
    • Regression with autoregressive errors
    • Heteroscedasticity/serial-correlation correction, including Newey-West
    • Non-linear least squares
    • Two-stage least squares for linear, non-linear, and autocorrelated models
    • arch and garch estimation (univariate and multivariate)
    • Seemingly unrelated regressions and three-stage least squares
    • Non-linear systems estimation
    • Generalized Method of Moments
    • Maximum likelihood estimation
    • Constrained optimization
    • Built-in hypothesis testing
    • Logit and probit models
    • Censored/truncated data
    • Fixed/random effects estimators
    • Non-parametric regressions
    • Kernel density estimation
    • Robust estimation
    • Recursive least squares
    • State-space models
    • Neural network models
    • Linear and quadratic programming

Time Series Procedures

    • ARIMA models including multiplicative seasonal models, with support for arbitrary lag structures.
    • Transfer function/intervention models
    • Vector autoregressions, including structural VAR’s
    • Impulse responses, variance decompositions
    • Error correction models
    • Kalman filter
    • Spectral analysis

Forecasting

    • Time series models
    • Regression models
    • Exponential smoothing
    • Simultaneous equation models (unlimited number of equations)
    • Simulations with random or user-supplied shocks
    • Forecast performance statistics

Interface

Interactive RATS Editor

    • Interactive text-editor interface makes it easy to write, test, modify, and re-run programs
    • Menu-driven Wizards for many functions, including reading data, estimating regressions, and more
    • Output can be directed to spreadsheet style windows for easy exporting or copying-and-pasting into other applications

Batch Mode

    • Complete programs can be executed in batch mode from the command prompt, by dragging and dropping from Windows Explorer, or by clicking on a shortcut icon.

Working with Data

Graphics

    • High-quality time series graphics
    • High-resolution X-Y scatter plots
    • Dual-scale graphs
    • Contour graphs
    • Copy-and-paste graphs into other applications
    • Export graphs to many formats, including PostScript and WMF

Data Entry

    • Menu-driven “Data Wizard” for reading in data
    • Reads and writes Excel XLS, WKS, ASCII, DIF, PRN, DBF, Haver, and other data files
    • On-screen data editor
    • Can handle virtually any data frequency, including daily, weekly, intra-day, and panel data
    • RATS data file format is fast and easy, supports all frequencies, and allows you to store series of different frequencies on the same file
    • Easy to convert data to different frequencies

Data Transformations

    • Flexible transformations with algebraic formulas
    • Easy to create trend series, seasonal, and time period dummies
    • Specialized differencing and filtering operations

Programmability

Programmable Interface

    • Extensive looping capabilities and support for applying operations to lists of variables make it possible to automate many repetitive tasks.
    • You can write procedures, which can perform complex tasks with a single instruction, and write your own callable functions.
    • A library of procedures written by RATS users from around the world is available free of charge on our web site.
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