Norges Bank

Staff Memo

Revisions of national accounts

Author:
Anne Sofie Jore
Series:
Staff Memo
Number:
6/2017

Abstract

I investigate revisions of growth rates in nominal and real quarterly GDP for mainland Norway, as well as for the GDP deflator, from 2004 to 2016. Several measures from alternative revision periods are computed. Mean revisions of real GDP are small and close to zero, while nominal GDP and the deflator are under-predicted on average when they are first published. For all three variables, mean absolute revisions are quite substantial. Revisions can, in general, be explained by the arrival of new information, although revisions of the deflator in particular are also characterized as reducing noise.

 

Staff Memos present reports and documentation written by staff members and affiliates of Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway. Views and conclusions expressed in Staff Memos should not be taken to represent the views of Norges Bank.

ISSN 1504-2596 (online)

Published 30 June 2017 10:36
Published 30 June 2017 10:36