Article: Forecasting the yield curve for the Eurozone and USA using standard methods and machine learning approach Journal: International Journal of Bonds and Derivatives (IJBD) 2025 Vol.4 No.4 pp.343 - 358 Abstract: This paper investigates forecasting yield curve parameters using the Svensson model for the Eurozone and US markets, applying random walk, autoregressive, vector autoregression, and random forest models. Forecast accuracy was assessed using root mean square error over 1-day, 6-day, and 12-day horizons, and performance was compared using the Diebold-Mariano test. Results indicate that the random walk model consistently provided the most accurate forecasts, particularly for the level and slope of the yield curve. Autoregressive and vector autoregression models performed well for short-term forecasts, while random forest showed mixed results with competitive accuracy in certain cases but higher overall errors. The Diebold-Mariano test confirmed the superiority of the random walk model, especially for longer-term forecasts. Overall, random walk is a robust base model for longer-term forecasts, while other models contribute to short-term predictions, with random forest showing potential for further improvement. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Forecasting the yield curve for the Eurozone and USA using standard methods and machine learning approach

Authors: Zrinka Orlovic; Jura Jurcevic; Davor Zoricic

Addresses: Department of Managerial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business – Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedy 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia ' Department of Managerial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business – Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedy 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia ' Department of Managerial Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business – Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Trg J.F. Kennedy 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract: This paper investigates forecasting yield curve parameters using the Svensson model for the Eurozone and US markets, applying random walk, autoregressive, vector autoregression, and random forest models. Forecast accuracy was assessed using root mean square error over 1-day, 6-day, and 12-day horizons, and performance was compared using the Diebold-Mariano test. Results indicate that the random walk model consistently provided the most accurate forecasts, particularly for the level and slope of the yield curve. Autoregressive and vector autoregression models performed well for short-term forecasts, while random forest showed mixed results with competitive accuracy in certain cases but higher overall errors. The Diebold-Mariano test confirmed the superiority of the random walk model, especially for longer-term forecasts. Overall, random walk is a robust base model for longer-term forecasts, while other models contribute to short-term predictions, with random forest showing potential for further improvement.

Keywords: yield curve; Svensson model; random forest; machine learning; random walk; autoregressive model; vector autoregression model; forecasting; Eurozone; USA; Diebold-Mariano test.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBD.2025.148693

International Journal of Bonds and Derivatives, 2025 Vol.4 No.4, pp.343 - 358

Received: 27 Dec 2024
Accepted: 25 Feb 2025
Published online: 19 Sep 2025 *

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Title: Forecasting the yield curve for the Eurozone and USA using standard methods and machine learning approach

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