A state space framework for automatic forecasting using exponential smoothing methods

We provide a new approach to automatic forecasting based on an extended range of exponential smoothing methods. Each method in our taxonomy of exponential smoothing methods provides forecasts that are equivalent to forecasts from a state space model. This equivalence allows: (1) easy calculation of the likelihood, the AIC and other model selection criteria; (2) computation of prediction intervals for each method; and (3) random simulation from the underlying state space model. We demonstrate the methods by applying them to the data from the M-competition and the M3-competition. The method provides forecast accuracy comparable to the best methods in the competitions; it is particularly good for short forecast horizons with seasonal data. (C) 2002 International Institute of Forecasters. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.