Google Econometrics and Unemployment Forecasting

DIW Discussion Papers 899, 22 S.

Nikos Askitas, Klaus F. Zimmermann

2009. May.

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Published in: Applied Economics Quarterly 55 (2009), 2, 107-120 ; Free download at: http://www.atypon-link.com/DH/doi/abs/10.3790/aeq.55.2.107

Abstract

The current economic crisis requires fast information to predict economic behavior early, which is difficult at times of structural changes. This paper suggests an innovative new method of using data on internet activity for that purpose. It demonstrates strong correlations between keyword searches and unemployment rates using monthly German data and exhibits a strong potential for the method used.



JEL-Classification: C22;C82;E17;E24;E37
Keywords: Google, internet, keyword search, search engine, unemployment, predictions, timeseries analysis
Frei zugängliche Version: (econstor)
http://hdl.handle.net/10419/29809

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