Regime-dependent predictive accuracy and structural stability of Eurozone inflation swaps

Abstract

This paper investigates the predictive accuracy of Eurozone inflation-linked swaps (ILS) across volatility regimes using a Markov-switching framework and regime-specific Mincer–Zarnowitz regressions. Results show a sharp divergence by maturity. While 12-month ILS remain approximately unbiased, their forecast precision (RMSE) deteriorates sharply in high-volatility states. In contrast, longer maturities (24–36 months) develop statistically significant, large positive biases (up to 378 basis points) and calibration losses evident across both volatility periods — a finding masked by standard asymptotic inference. These findings highlight the structural, persistent nature of the mispricing at medium horizons and the risk of policy misinterpretation.