software guide

EVeiws 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction1.1 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.2 Navigating EViews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.2.1 Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.2.1.1 Title Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21.2.1.2 Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21.2.1.3 The Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31.2.1.4 Command Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41.2.1.5 The Status Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-71.3 Additional Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

2 Main Menu2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.2 File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22.2.1 New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22.2.1.1 Workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32.2.1.2 Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32.2.2 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82.2.3 TextFile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82.2.4 Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92.2.4.1 EViews workfiles.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92.2.4.2 Foreign Workfiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92.2.4.3 DataBase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92.2.4.4 Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-102.2.4.5 Program in Add-ins folder.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-102.2.4.6 Text Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-102.2.5 Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-112.2.6 SaveAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-112.2.7 Close. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-112.2.8 Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-112.2.8.1 Import from file... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-122.2.8.2 Fetch from DB... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-122.2.8.3 TSD File Import... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.2.8.4 DRL Basic Economics Database... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.2.8.5 Read... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.2.9 Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-142.2.9.1 Store to DB... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-142.2.9.2 TSD File Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-142.2.9.3 Write Text-Lotus-Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-142.2.10 Print. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-152.2.11 Print Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-162.2.12 Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-172.2.13 Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-182.3 Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-192.4 Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-202.4.1 New Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-202.4.2 Generate Series.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-212.4.3 Manage Links and Formulae... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

EVeiws 8 Reference Guide TOC-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.4.4 Fetch from DB... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-232.4.4.1 Fetch from DB... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-232.4.5 Update selected from DB.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-252.4.6 Store selected DB... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-252.4.7 Copy selected... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-262.4.8 Rename selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-262.4.9 Delete selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-272.4.10 Print selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-282.5 Veiw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-292.6 Proc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-302.6.1 Set Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-302.6.2 Structure/Resize Current Page... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-312.6.3 Append to Current Page... pg241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-322.6.4 Contract to Current Page... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-342.6.5 Reshape to Current Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-342.6.5.1 Stacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-342.6.5.2 Unstacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-362.6.6 Copy/Extract Current Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-372.6.7 Sort Current Page... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-392.6.8 Copy/Extract Current Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.9 Load Workfile Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.10 Save Current Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.11 Rename Current Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.12 Delete Current Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.13 Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-402.6.14 Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-412.7 Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-432.7.1 Sample.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-432.7.2 Generate Series.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-442.7.3 Show... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-442.7.4 Graph... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-452.7.5 Empty Group (Edit Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-462.7.6 Series Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-472.7.7 Group Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-482.7.8 Estimate Equations... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-492.7.9 Estimate VAR.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-502.8 Options Add-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-522.8.1 General Options.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-522.8.2 Graphics Defaults... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-532.8.3 Database Registry... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-532.8.4 EViews Auto-Update from Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-542.9 Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-562.10 Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-572.10.1 EViews Help Topics... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57

3 Workfiles3.1 Workfile Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13.2 Creating a Workfile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

TOC-2 EVeiws 8 Reference Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.2.1 To create a new workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23.2.2 Creating a Workfile by Reading from a Foreign Data Source. . . . . . 3-83.2.3 Creating a Workfile from an Excel File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-113.3 New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-143.3.1 Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-143.3.1.1 Browse Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-153.3.2 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-183.3.2.1 Run Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-193.3.2.2 Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-193.3.3 TextFile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-213.4 Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-213.4.1 EViews Workfile... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-223.4.2 Foreign Data as Workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-223.4.3 Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-253.4.4 Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.4.5 Programs in Add-ins Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.4.6 Text File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.5 Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.5.1 Import from File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.5.2 Fetch from DB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.5.3 TSD File Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.5.4 DRI Basic Economic Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.5.5 Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.6 Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.6.1 Store to Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-283.6.2 TSD File Export. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-283.6.3 Write Text-Lotus-Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-283.6.4 System Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-283.7 Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-303.7.1 Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-303.7.1.1 The Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40

4 Objects4.1 Objects Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14.1.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14.1.2 Object Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24.1.3 Equation - Workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44.1.4 Series - Workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54.1.5 Graph - Workfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-4 EVeiws 8 Reference Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 About This ManualThis manual is intended to be a supplement to the User Guide which provides in depth discussions and examples for EViews and its operation. This manual provides a quick resource to guide in choosing parameters of which options to use.

The chapters are divided into sections that break down various topics and matching program functions. Common practices such as creation workfiles will give preliminary instructions followed by screen-shots that include tables that describe each option and how it is used. This manual will refer to the other EViews documentation that will describe the topic in further detail.

1.2 Navigating EViewsThis program has several components. This section describes those features and provides some common operations instructions.

1.2.1 Main Screen

The main screen has of five parts that controls the function of this program.

• Title Bar

• Main Menu

• Command Window

• Work Area

• Status Line

EViews 8 1-1

Chapter 1 Introduction Navigating EViews

Figure 1-1 Main Screen

1.2.1.1 Title Bar

The Titlebar has the following active functions:

• When EViews is the active program in Windows, the title bar has a darker color and intensity that differs from the other windows.

• If another program is active, the EViews title bar will be lighter.

• To make EViews the active program;

- click anywhere in the EViews window

- use ALT-TAB to cycle between applications until the EViews window is active.

1.2.1.2 Main Menu

EViews function like most program you are already familiar with.

• If you move the cursor to an entry in the main menu and click on the left mouse button, a drop-down menu will appear.

• Clicking on an entry in the drop-down menu selects the highlighted item.

Title Bar Main Menu Command Window

Work areaStatus line

1-2 EViews 8


1.2.1.2.1 Navigation Menu

There are several terms used in this manual used to describe commands, functions, and action when navigating through EViews. The table defines the feature on the screen and its function.

1.2.1.3 The Work Area

There are several key techniques to know when using the windows;

• they can overlap each other with the foremost window being in focus or active

NAME DESCRIPTION

Action Button A command button that performs a specific, pre-programmed task.

Command button A screen button usually associated with changes in the operating parameters. Using the mouse, point to the button, and click the left mouse button.

Command Window

Dialog box A small window that appears with information or command choices.

Drop-Down menu A menu with a list of commands or options. To display a drop-down menu, select the downward-pointing arrow that accompanies some text fields, and click on the left mouse button.

Edit field A screen box that allows you to alter the data in the box. Examples:

• Text field

• Selection field (with a down arrow to reveal a drop-down menu)

Function group A group of command buttons or icons with related actions. The group is usually surrounded by a box.

Icon A graphic button that accesses a specific function to change a program. Using the mouse, point to the icon, and click the left button.

Information or Data field Shows labels you can read but not edit. The unit updates the information.

Navigation Menu A directory with branches that are used to access parameter edit screens. This program tree is located on the right-hand side of the screen.

Option buttons Circular or square button that appear in pairs or groups. Only one button can be selected at a time. A selected button deselects when you select another button

EViews 8 1-3


• only the active window has a darkened titlebar

• move a window by clicking on its title bar and dragging the window to a new location

• change the size of a window by clicking on any corner and dragging the corner to a new location

When a window is partly covered, you can;

• bring it to the top by clicking on its Titlebar or on a visible portion of the window

• cycle through the displayed windows by pressing the F6 or CTRL-TAB keys

• select a window by clicking on the Window menu item, and selecting the desired name

1.2.1.4 Command Window

EViews commands are typed or pasted into this window.

Figure 1-2 Command Window

The command window supports Windows cut-and-paste so that you can easily move text between the command window, other EViews text windows, and other Windows programs to create and edit commands.

• The command is executed as soon as you hit ENTER.

• If you have entered more commands than will fit in your command window, EViews turns the window into a standard scrollable window. Use the scroll bar or up and down arrows on the right-hand side of the window to see various parts of the list of previously executed commands.

• You may:

a. Move the insertion point to previously executed commands.

b. Edit the existing command.

c. Press ENTER to execute the edited version of the command.

1-4 EViews 8


1. Ensure that the command window is active by clicking anywhere in the window.

2. Select File/Save As… from the main menu.

3. Select Save Active Workfile and click OK.

Figure 1-3 Save As Popup

4. Select the desired features from the table below.

Figure 1-4 Workfile Save

To save the contents of the command window (text file format)

EViews 8 1-5


5. Click on OK. The complete workfile will be saved in the directory location you selected and can be retrieved using Open EViews Workfiles.... (Cntrl+O).

1.2.1.4.1 Command Display

1. Press the Control key and the UP arrow (CTRL+UP). The last command will be entered into the command window.

2. Holding down the CTRL key and pressing UP repeatedly will display the next prior commands.

3. Repeat until the desired command is recalled.

1. Press the Control Key and the J key (CTRL+J).

2. In the popup window you may use the UP and DOWN arrows to select the desired command and then press the ENTER key to add it to the command window, or simply double click on the command.

3. To close the history window without selecting a command, click elsewhere in the command window or press the Escape (ESC) key.

4. To execute the retrieved command, simply press ENTER again.

Table 1-1: Workfile Save Popup

NAME DESCRIPTION

Single Precision The workfile is saved in 7 digit accuracy It is recommended for XXXXXXXXX

Double Precision The workfile is saved in 16 digit accuracy It is recommended for XXXXXXXXX

Use Compression This option uses Winzip to compress the workfile before saving.

Prompt on each Save

Every time you save a workfile, a prompt will appear alerting you that XXXXX

OK Accepts all inputs and changes.

Cancel Ends menu with no inputs or changes.

To display a list of previous commands in the order of entry

To examine the history of the last 30 commands

NOTE You may first edit the command before you enter it.

1-6 EViews 8

Chapter 1 Introduction Additional Operations

1. Place the cursor at the bottom of the command window, holding down the mouse button and dragging the window up or down.

2. Release the mouse button when the command window is the desired size.

1.2.1.5 The Status Line

At the very bottom of the window is the Status Line which is divided into several sections.

Figure 1-5 Status Line

• The left section can contain status messages sent to you by EViews. These status messages can be cleared manually by clicking on the box at the far left of the status line.

• The next section shows the Default Directory used to look for data and programs.

• The last two sections display the names of the default database and workfile.

1.3 Additional Operations

If you wish to cancel the current task or ongoing operation, press ESC.

To change the default command window size

NOTE Chapters XXX we will show you how to change both defaults.

To cancel EViews

To close EViews

EViews 8 1-7

Chapter 1 Introduction Additional Operations

There are a number of ways to close EViews.

You can always select File/Exit from the main menu, or you can press ALT-F4.

If you are running Windows 95 or NT, you

Alternatively, you can click on the close box in the upper right-hand corner of the EViews window, or double click on the EViews icon in the upper left-hand corner of the window.

Under Windows 3.1, click on the Control-menu box in the upper left-hand corner of the EViews window, and select Close.

NOTICE EViews will warn you and provide you with the opportunity to save any unsaved work.

1-8 EViews 8

Chapter 2 Main Menu

In this chapter:• All menus/commands/operations under the Main Menu command bar

• Explains

2.1 OverviewThe Main Menu is the primary access and command tool for using Eviews. If you move the cursor to an entry in the main menu and click on the left mouse button, a drop-down menu will appear. Clicking on an entry in the drop-down menu selects the highlighted item.

Figure 2-1 Main Menu

Some of the items in the drop-down menu items are shown in black and others are in gray. Items that appear dark or black are functional. Any grayed out items are not available and needs some other requirement be active before you can access the menu item or execute the command. Each item in the table will indicate what prerequisite is required to access the function.

The Main Menu is comprised of ten items:

• “File” on page 2-2

• “Edit” on page 2-19

• “Object” on page 2-20

• “Veiw” on page 2-29

• “Proc” on page 2-30

• “Quick” on page 2-43

• “Options Add-ins” on page 2-52

• “Windows” on page 2-56

• “Help” on page 2-57

EViews 8 2-1

Chapter 2 Main Menu File

2.2 FileThis first pull-down item controls most the startup functions such as opening or creating new workfiles, locating items outside the program, export/import and printing.

At the very bottom of the pull-down is the last series of files that were opened in descending order. Double clicking on any of them will open that file if the path to it has not changed since it was last opened.

2.2.1 New

This pull-down allows you create new workfiles, databases programs, or text files.

Figure 2-2 New Pull-down

2-2 EViews 8


2.2.1.1 Workfile

A workfile is simply a container for EViews objects (see XXX). Most of your work in EViews will involve objects that are contained in a workfile. The first step in any project will be to create a new workfile or to load an existing workfile into memory.

2.2.1.2 Database

The most common objects in EViews are series and equation objects. Most objects are represented by a unique icon which is displayed in the object container (workfile or database) window.

All of the database format files may be opened as databases by selecting File/Open/Database... and filling out the dialogs, allowing for additional control over the series to be read, the new workfile frequency, and any frequency conversion.

Figure 2-3 Database

EViews 8 2-3


2.2.1.2.1 Browse Registry

This menu provides is an easy way to recall information associated with a previously registered database.

Table 2-1: DataBase

NAME DESCRIPTION

Database specification

Database/File Type:

a. EVeiws Database

b. EViews v6 Database

c. DRIPro Link

d. Fame Local Database

e. Aremos TSD File

f. DRI DDS Format File

g. GiveWin/PcGive File

h. Rats 4.x File

i. Rats Portable File

j. TSP Portable File

DB File name/path: enter or copy/paste the current path to the database file in standard format. For a native EViews database, simply

enter a name for the database in the field labeled DB File name/path, then click on the button marked OK.

Browse file: this command will open a window to bring up the

standard file Open dialog. Simply click on the Browse Files button to call up the common file dialog, and then navigate to the target directory. Enter the name of the new database in the File name edit field, then click on the OK button to accept the information Database Basics—269 and close the file dialog. EViews will put the new path and filename in the DB File name/ path edit field.

Browse Registry: see “Browse Registry” on page 2-4.

Add to Registry:

Open as Database alias (optional short name): The Open As field allows you

to specify the shorthand that will be associated with this database. A shorthand is a short text label which is used to refer to the database in commands and programs. If you leave this field blank, a default shorthand will be assigned automatically

2-4 EViews 8


Figure 2-4 Database-Browse Registry

2.2.1.2.2 Edit Registry

This menu provides is an easy way to include the new database in the database registry.

Table 2-2: DataBase - Browse Registry

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registered Databases

Edit Registry

Select


EViews 8 2-5


Figure 2-5 Database - Database Registry

2.2.1.2.3 Database Registry Entry

Add new entry/edit entry

Table 2-3: DataBase - Database Registry

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registered Databases and files

Add new entry:

Edit entry:

Remove entry: select an entry and click to remove the item.

Toggle search:

Move to top of Search: move the cursor to the first entry.

Auto Search Check the box to automatically search the database when a series is not found in the workfile.

Default database in search Path

Include at start of search order

Include at end of search order

Do not include in search

OK


2-6 EViews 8


Figure 2-6 Database - Database Registry Entry

Table 2-4: DataBase - Database Registry Entry

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registry Entry Database alias (short name)

Include database in autosearch

Database Specification

Database/file type:

Database/name path:

Server specification

User name: allows you add a user name.

Password: allows you to add a password to secure the database.

Browse files: This command will open a window to bring up the standard file Open dialog.



EViews 8 2-7


2.2.2 Program

Figure 2-7 Program

2.2.3 TextFile

Table 2-5: Program

NAME DESCRIPTION

Run

Print

Save

Save As

Cut

Copy

Paste

Insert Txt

Find

Replace

Wrap +/-

Line Number +/-

Encrypt

2-8 EViews 8


Figure 2-8 Textfile

2.2.4 Open

2.2.4.1 EViews workfiles...

2.2.4.2 Foreign Workfiles

2.2.4.3 DataBase

Table 2-6: Textfile

NAME DESCRIPTION

Print

Save

Save As

Cut

Copy

Paste

Find

Replace

EViews 8 2-9


2.2.4.4 Programs

This command will open a window to bring up the standard file Open dialog. After you locate the program double click on it or select any file with “.prg” and click on Open.

Figure 2-9 Programs

2.2.4.5 Program in Add-ins folder...

This command will open a to bring up the standard file Open dialog and the folder with this file that is created when you download EViews. After you locate the program double click on it or select any file with “.XX” and click on Open.

Figure 2-10 Program in Add-ins folder...

2.2.4.6 Text Files

This command will open a to bring up the standard file Open dialog. After you locate the program double click on it or select any file with “Text-ASCII(*.*)” and click on Open.

2-10 EViews 8


Figure 2-11 Text Files

2.2.5 Save

This command function saves the active file with its current file name, location, and file format.

2.2.6 SaveAs

This command function saves the active file and allows you change the file name, location, and file format.

2.2.7 Close

This command function closes the selected workbook window.

2.2.8 Import

Figure 2-12 Import

EViews 8 2-11


2.2.8.1 Import from file...

This command will open a to bring up the standard file Open dialog. After you locate the program double click on it or select any file with “TSD File (*.tsd)” and click on Open.

Figure 2-13 Import file from...

2.2.8.2 Fetch from DB...

To fetch objects into a workfile, select Object/Fetch from DB… from the workfile menu or toolbar. You will see a dialog box prompting you for additional information for the fetch: objects to be fetched, directory and database location, as applicable.

Figure 2-14 Fetch from DB...

2-12 EViews 8


2.2.8.3 TSD File Import...

TSD AREMOS is a data management and econometrics software package released by Global Insight. EViews support this format and allows it to be imported.

2.2.8.4 DRL Basic Economics Database...

2.2.8.5 Read...

This command will open a to bring up the standard file Open dialog. After you locate the program double click on it or select any file with “Text-ASCII(*.*)” and click on Open.

Table 2-7: Fetch from DB...

NAME DESCRIPTION

Fetch from Fetch from has an option titled Search Databases. This option searches multiple databases for objects which match the specified names. To use this option, you must first define a search order in the database registry.

Path for DB files Use the field to specify the path the DB files will use.

Objects to fetch Enter the names of the objects you would like to fetch in the field. You can also use the mouse to select objects from the workfile window before clicking on the Fetch button and the object names will appear automatically.

Links This option brings any listed series or alpha objects into the workfile as links to the data in the database. When you open an existing workfile containing database links, a prompt asks you if you wish to refresh the data series. If you click on No, EViews will retain the existing data in the link, otherwise the data will be imported from the database when you load the workfile. You may also update existing links manually by:

a. Select Object/Manage Links & Formulae... in the workfile window,

b. Specifying the links to update.

c. Click on the Refresh Links - update data from source button.

OK When you click on OK, EViews will fetch all the objects. If an object which is being fetched is already contained in the workfile, a dialog will appear asking whether to replace the object or not. Click on;

• Yes to replace the object in the workfile

• No to leave the object in the workfile unchanged.


EViews 8 2-13


Figure 2-15 Read

2.2.9 Export

2.2.9.1 Store to DB...

2.2.9.2 TSD File Export

TSD AREMOS is a data management and econometrics software package released by Global Insight. EViews support this format and allows it to be exported.

2.2.9.3 Write Text-Lotus-Excel

This feature allows you to export to a spreadsheet or Text File.. Enter the name and type of the output file in the SaveAs dialog. As you fill out the SaveAs dialog, keep in mind the following behavior:

• If you enter a file name with an extension, EViews will use the file extension to identify the file type. Files with common spreadsheet extensions (“.XLS”, “.WK3”, “.WK1”, and “.WKS”) will be saved to the appropriate spreadsheet type. All others will be saved as ASCII files.

• If you do not enter an extension, EViews will use the file type selected in the combo-box to determine the output type. Spreadsheet files will have the appropriate extensions appended to the name. ASCII files will be saved using the name provided in the dialog, without an extension. EViews will not append extensions to ASCII files unless you explicitly include one in the file name.

• EViews cannot write into an existing file. The file that you select will be replaced.

Once you have specified the output file, click OK to open the export dialog.

2-14 EViews 8


2.2.10 Print

The print dialog box allows you access the particular characteristics of the selected printer and specify how the printer should perform the job. For example, if the selected printer can print the document or redirect the file to exported in another format.

Figure 2-16 Print

NOTE If you highlight the series you wish to export before beginning the export procedure, the series names will be used to fill out the export dialog.

Table 2-8: Print

NAME DESCRIPTION

Destination Printer; The print dialog box allows you to select a printer if more than one is available.

Redirect

Filename

Properties; gives you the option of creating an XPS document, changing the orientation (landscape vs. portrait), paper size, and resolution.

EViews 8 2-15


2.2.11 Print Setup

The Print Setup dialog box is used to select and configure your printer and final output orientation. Select File > Print Setup to invoke the Print Setup dialog box.

Figure 2-17 Print Setup

Text/Table options Text size

Percent

Orientation

Print Range Entire Table/Text; The user can decide either to print the whole document, to print a range of pages, or to print a portion of the document that was previously selected.

Current Selection

Table Options Box around tables

Include headers



Table 2-8: Print

2-16 EViews 8


2.2.12 Run

Table 2-9: Print Setup

NAME DESCRIPTION

Destination Printer:

Redirect:

Filename:

Properties:

Clear File:

Graph defaults Orientation:

Graph size:

Page Percent:

Position:

Print in color:

Spool defaults Print mode:

Object labels:

Apply print mode to child spools

Child size:

Size:

Justification:

Percent:

Text/Table defaults Orientation:

Text size:

Percent:

Box around tables:



EViews 8 2-17


Figure 2-18 Run Program

2.2.13 Exit

The command causes the s program to terminate. It will prompt you to close with/without saving any current programs or data.

Table 2-10: Run Program

NAME DESCRIPTION

Program name or path

Program arguments

Runtime errors Verbose (slow) update screen/line status

Quiet (fast) no screen/Staus line updates

Version 4 compatible variable substitution and program boolean comparisons. Maximum errors before halting.

Save options as default



2-18 EViews 8

Chapter 2 Main Menu Edit

2.3 Edit Edit allows you to view, create, or modify EViews files.

Table 2-11: Edit

NAME DESCRIPTION

Undo This command erases the last change done to the document reverting it to an older state.

Copy while the copy command creates a duplicate; in both cases the selected data is placed in a clipboard.

Cut The cut command removes the selected data from its original position.

Paste The data in the clipboard is later inserted in the position where the paste command is issued.

Paste Special 275

Delete The data in the clipboard is removed.

Find

Replace

Next

Insert Text File

EViews 8 2-19

/wiki/Selection_(user_interface)

Chapter 2 Main Menu Object

2.4 Object

Figure 2-19 Object

2.4.1 New Object

2-20 EViews 8


Figure 2-20 Object - New Object

2.4.2 Generate Series...

Table 2-12: Object - New Object

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-21


Figure 2-21 Object - Generate Series

2.4.3 Manage Links and Formulae...

Table 2-13: Object - Generate Series

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-22 EViews 8


Figure 2-22 Object - Manage Links and Formulae

2.4.4 Fetch from DB...

2.4.4.1 Fetch from DB...

To fetch objects into a workfile, select Object/Fetch from DB… from the workfile menu or toolbar. You will see a dialog box prompting you for additional information for the fetch: objects to be fetched, directory and database location, as applicable.

Table 2-14: Manage Links and Formulae

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-23


Figure 2-23 Fetch from DB...


NAME DESCRIPTION

Fetch from Fetch from has an option titled Search Databases. This option searches multiple databases for objects which match the specified names. To use this option, you must first define a search order in the database registry.

Path for DB files Use the field to specify the path the DB files will use.

Objects to fetch Enter the names of the objects you would like to fetch in the field. You can also use the mouse to select objects from the workfile window before clicking on the Fetch button and the object names will appear automatically.

Links This option brings any listed series or alpha objects into the workfile as links to the data in the database. When you open an existing workfile containing database links, a prompt asks you if you wish to refresh the data series. If you click on No, EViews will retain the existing data in the link, otherwise the data will be imported from the database when you load the workfile. You may also update existing links manually by:

a. Select Object/Manage Links & Formulae... in the workfile window,

b. Specifying the links to update.

c. Click on the Refresh Links - update data from source button.

2-24 EViews 8


2.4.5 Update selected from DB...

This command will display the Fetch menu. See “Fetch from DB...” on page 2-23.

2.4.6 Store selected DB...

Figure 2-24 Object - Store

OK When you click on OK, EViews will fetch all the objects. If an object which is being fetched is already contained in the workfile, a dialog will appear asking whether to replace the object or not. Click on;

• Yes to replace the object in the workfile

• No to leave the object in the workfile unchanged.


Table 2-16:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Store G1 as:

Store in

Database alias or path

Browse This command will open a window to bring up the standard file Open dialog.

Yes Accepts all inputs and changes.


EViews 8 2-25


2.4.7 Copy selected...

Figure 2-25 Object - Copy

2.4.8 Rename selected

No Ends menu with no inputs or changes.

Table 2-17:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Source

Destination


OK to All


Cancel All

Table 2-16:

2-26 EViews 8


Figure 2-26 Object - Name

2.4.9 Delete selected

To delete an object or objects from your workfile, select the object or objects in the workfile directory and click Object/ Delete Selected on the workfile toolbar. EViews will prompt you to make certain that you wish to delete the objects.

Figure 2-27 Object - Delete selected

Table 2-18: Object - Name

NAME DESCRIPTION

Name to identify object

Use the box to assign a name that is 16 characters of fwere, 24 are allowed, to label the object.

Display name for labeling tables and graphs

This optional feature allows you to display the labeling for tables and graphs.



EViews 8 2-27


2.4.10 Print selected

Table 2-19:

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-28 EViews 8

Chapter 2 Main Menu Veiw

2.5 VeiwView allows you to open and modify EViews files the way they are presented in the program.

Figure 2-28 View

Table 2-20:

NAME DESCRIPTION

Open Selected

Show

Select All

Select by Filter

Deselect All

Details +/-

Display Filter...

Name Display

Statistics

Label

EViews 8 2-29

Chapter 2 Main Menu Proc

2.6 ProcProcess (Proc) is a series of commands on the pull-down that allow you to XXX.

A workfile must be open to access the features.

Figure 2-29 Proc

2.6.1 Set Sample

There are four ways to set the workfile sample: you may click on the Sample button in the workfile toolbar, you may double click on the sample string display in the workfile window, you can select Proc/Set Sample… from the main workfile menu, or you may enter a

smpl command in the command window. If you use one of the interactive methods, EViews will open the Sample dialog prompting you for input.

2-30 EViews 8


Figure 2-30 Proc - Sample

2.6.2 Structure/Resize Current Page...

To structure an existing workfile, select Proc/“Structure/Resize Current Page...” in the main workfile window, or double-click on the portion of the window displaying the current range (“Range:”).


NAME DESCRIPTION

Sample Range Pairs

If Condition (optional)



EViews 8 2-31


Figure 2-31 Proc - Structure/Resize current page

2.6.3 Append to Current Page... pg241

One method of combining two workfile pages is to append observations from a source workfile page to the end of a target workfile page. When appending data

• The program removes any structure from the target page,

• It expands its range to encompass the combined range of the original page and the appended data.

• The data from the source page are then copied to the expanded part of the target workfile range, either in existing series or alpha objects, or in newly created objects.


NAME DESCRIPTION

Workfile structure type

Date Specification



2-32 EViews 8


When appending, you should first make certain that the workfiles containing both the source and target page are open in EViews. In some cases (for example, concatenating a workfile page with itself), you only need to have a single open workfile since the source and target workfiles are the same.

To open the Workfile Append dialog:

• click on the Proc button on the target workfile toolbar and select Append to Current Page...,

• select Proc/Append to Current Page... from the main menu.

Figure 2-32 Proc - Append to current Page


NAME DESCRIPTION

Workfile page to append

Objects to append

Name collision

Created Series

EViews 8 2-33


2.6.4 Contract to Current Page...

Figure 2-33 Proc - Contract to current page

2.6.5 Reshape to Current Page

The two options show are stacking and unstacking in a new page.

2.6.5.1 Stacking

Stacking a workfile involves combining sets of series with related names into single series, or repeatedly stacking individual series into single series, and placing the results in a new workfile. The series in a set to be stacked contains repeated measures data on a given variable. The individual series is viewed as ordinary, nonrepeated measures data.




NAME DESCRIPTION

Sample of observations to keep within the workfiles




2-34 EViews 8


Figure 2-34 Proc - Stack


NAME DESCRIPTION

Stacking Indentifiers

Series to stack into workfile page

Name for stacked series

Order of obs



EViews 8 2-35


2.6.5.2 Unstacking

To unstack the active workfile page, you should select Proc/Reshape Current Page/ Unstack in New Page... from the main workfile menu. When unstacking data, there are four key pieces of information that should be provided:

1. A series object that contains the unstacking IDs

2. A series object that contains the observation IDs

3. The series in the source workfile that you wish to unstack

4. A rule for defining names for the unstacked series.epeated measures data.

Figure 2-35 Proc - Unstack in new page


NAME DESCRIPTION

Series containing unstacking indentifiers

Series containing observation identifiers

2-36 EViews 8


2.6.6 Copy/Extract Current Page

Name pattern for unstacked series

Series to unstack into new workfile page




EViews 8 2-37


Figure 2-36 Proc -


NAME DESCRIPTION

2-38 EViews 8


2.6.7 Sort Current Page...

Figure 2-37 Proc - Sort Workfile Series

Sample Observations to copy

Objects to copy by link

Destination for new WF page

Names




NAME DESCRIPTION

Sort key(s)

Sort order




EViews 8 2-39


2.6.8 Copy/Extract Current Page

2.6.9 Load Workfile Page

2.6.10 Save Current Page

2.6.11 Rename Current Page

This pull-down command allows you to change the name of the workfile page you currently have open and save it to the current file location.

Figure 2-38 Proc - Workfile Page Rename

2.6.12 Delete Current Page

This pull-down command allows you to delete the workfile page you currently have open and save the workfile at the current file location.

2.6.13 Import

Please refer to the following sections:

• “Import from file...” on page 2-12

• “Fetch from DB...” on page 2-12

• “TSD File Import...” on page 2-13

• “DRL Basic Economics Database...” on page 2-13

• “Read...” on page 2-13

2-40 EViews 8


Figure 2-39 Proc - Import

2.6.14 Export

Please refer to the following sections.

• Save Workfile Page

• Store Selected to DB

• “TSD File Export” on page 2-14

• “Write Text-Lotus-Excel” on page 2-14

EViews 8 2-41


Figure 2-40 Proc - Export

2-42 EViews 8

Chapter 2 Main Menu Quick

2.7 Quick Please refer to the following sections.

Figure 2-41 Quick

2.7.1 Sample...


Figure 2-42 Quick - Sample

Table 2-29: Quick - Sample

NAME DESCRIPTION

EViews 8 2-43


2.7.2 Generate Series...


Figure 2-43 Quick - Generate Series

2.7.3 Show...




Table 2-30: Quick - Generate Series

NAME DESCRIPTION



Table 2-29: Quick - Sample

2-44 EViews 8


Figure 2-44 Quick - Show

2.7.4 Graph...


Table 2-31: Quick - Show

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-45


Figure 2-45 Quick - Graph

2.7.5 Empty Group (Edit Series)


Table 2-32: Quick - Graph

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-46 EViews 8


Figure 2-46 Quick - Empty Group

2.7.6 Series Statistics


Table 2-33: Quick - Empty Group

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-47


Figure 2-47 Quick - Series Statistics

2.7.7 Group Statistics


Table 2-34: Quick - Series Statistics

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-48 EViews 8


Figure 2-48 Quick - Group Statistics

2.7.8 Estimate Equations...


Table 2-35: Quick - Group Statistics

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-49


Figure 2-49 Quick - Estimate Equations

2.7.9 Estimate VAR...


Table 2-36: Quick - Estimate Equations

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-50 EViews 8


Figure 2-50 Quick - Estimate VAR

Table 2-37: Quick - Estimate VAR

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-51

Chapter 2 Main Menu Options Add-ins

2.8 Options Add-insPlease refer to the following sections.

Figure 2-51 Options

2.8.1 General Options...


Figure 2-52

Table 2-38:

NAME DESCRIPTION


2-52 EViews 8


2.8.2 Graphics Defaults...


Figure 2-53

2.8.3 Database Registry...



Table 2-39:

NAME DESCRIPTION



Table 2-38:

EViews 8 2-53


Figure 2-54

2.8.4 EViews Auto-Update from Web


Table 2-40:

NAME DESCRIPTION



2-54 EViews 8


Figure 2-55

Table 2-41:

NAME DESCRIPTION



EViews 8 2-55

Chapter 2 Main Menu Windows

2.9 WindowsPlease refer to the following sections.

Table 2-42: Windows

NAME DESCRIPTION

Cascade

Close All

Toggle Command Docking

Swap Command- Edit Focus

Activate Next



2-56 EViews 8

Chapter 2 Main Menu Help

2.10 HelpPlease refer to the following sections.

Figure 2-56

2.10.1 EViews Help Topics...


EViews 8 2-57

Chapter 2 Main Menu Help

Figure 2-57 EViews Help

2-58 EViews 8

Chapter 3 Workfiles

In this chapter:• All menus/commands/operations under the File tab

• Explains what a workfile is and how to make them

3.1 Workfile OverviewA workfile is simply a container for EViews objects (see XXX). Most of your work in EViews will involve objects that are contained in a workfile. The first step in any project will be to create a new workfile or to load an existing workfile into memory.

• Every workfile contains one or more workfile pages, each with its own objects.

• A workfile page may be thought of as a subworkfile or subdirectory that allows you to organize the data within the workfile.

• Treat a workfile page as though it were a workfile (just as a subdirectory is also a directory) since there is often no practical distinction between the two.

Figure 3-1 Workfile Features

Click here to create a new workfile page

Current Sample (click to change)

Click to scroll page tabs

Workfile Directory

Workfile Flange and Structure(click to structure or resize)

Title Bar Button Bar Current Filter (click to change)

Workfile page tabs (click to set active page)

3-1

Chapter 3 Workfiles Creating a Workfile

3.2 Creating a WorkfileThere are three choices when it come to deciding on the type of workfile you may choose to create. They are:

• Dated - regular frequency - for simple time series dataset. EViews will prompt you to select a frequency for your data.

• Unstructured - unstructured data are simply data which use the default integer identifiers.You should choose the Unstructured type if your data

- is not a Dated- regular frequency

- you wish to create an undated workfile that uses the default identifiers or you will eventually define an advanced structure your data.

• Balanced Panel - this entry provides a simple method of describing a regular frequency panel data structure. Panel data is the term that is used to refer to data containing observations with both a group (cross-section) and time (within-group) identifiers.This entry may be used when you wish to create a balanced structure in which every cross section follows the same regular frequency with the same date observations.

3.2.1 To create a new workfile

1. Select File/New/Workfile... from the main menu to open the Workfile Create dialog box.

2. Locate the “Workfile structure type” dialog box to determine the underlying structure of your dataset. You will choose between these settings;

a. Dated - regular frequency - you may choose the following settings:

NOTE The terms “workfile” and “workfile page” may be used interchangeably.

NOTE Unbalanced panel workfiles or ones involving more complex panel structures should be created by first defining an unstructured workfile, and then applying a panel workfile structure.

3-2


Figure 3-2 Workfile Create Menu- Dated regular frequency

3-3


hly

NAME DESCRIPTION

Date Specification In selecting a frequency, you set intervals between observations in your data. You may choose from the following settings:

•Multi-year,

•Annual

•Semi-annual,

•Quarterly,

• Mont

•Bimonthly,

•Fortnight,

•Ten-day,

•Weekly,

•Daily - 5 day week

•Daily - 7 day week

•Daily - custom week

•Intraday

•(Integer date (which is a generalization of a simple enumeration).

If, for example, you select the Daily -custom week frequency, the dialog will prompt you to provide a range for the days of the week in your custom week. You should use the Intraweek/Intraday range combo boxes to define a the start and end of the week.

If you choose the Intraday frequency you will be prompted to provide additional information about the structure of your observed days. You must provide information about the frequency of observations within the day, the days of the week for the days of the week for which you observe data, and the time, and the time range of observations within a day.

Start date: Choose a date in the format 00/00/00 00:00:00 as a beginning point for the project. The first part specifies the day/month/ year. The End date is also specified in hours. Alternately, the Time field denotes the hour/minute/second.

End date: Choose a date in the format 00/00/00 as a beginning point for the project.

3-4


b. Unstructured - you may choose the following settings:

Figure 3-3 Workfile Create Menu- Unstructured/Undated

Workfile Name WF: Choose a name for the workfile. It can be any combination of alpha or numeric letters up to ____ characters.

Page: Choose the number of pages you want in the workfile. Minimum number is one and the maximum is _____.

NAME DESCRIPTION

Date Range Observations: this single field prompts you for the number of observations. Enter the number of observations, and click on OK to proceed. In many cases, the integer identifiers will be sufficient for you to work with your data. In more complicated settings, you may wish to further refine your identifiers. We describe this process in “Applying a Structure to a Workfile” on page 223.



3-5


3. When you click on OK, EViews will create a regular frequency workfile with the specified number of observations and the associated identifiers.

c. Balanced Panel - you may choose the following settings:

Figure 3-4 Workfile Create Menu- Balanced Panel

3-6


NAME DESCRIPTION

Date Specification You may choose from the following EViews standard supported settings:

• Multi-year,

• Annual

• Semi-annual,

• Quarterly,

• Monthly

• Bimonthly,

• Fortnight,

• Ten-day,

• Weekly,

• Daily - 5 day week

• Daily - 7 day week

• Daily - custom week

•Intraday)

• (Integer date (a special frequency which is a generalization of a simple enumeration)

• in selecting a frequency, you set intervals between observations in your data which allows EViews to use all available calendar information to organize and manage your data.



3-7


3.2.2 Creating a Workfile by Reading from a Foreign Data Source

The second method for creating an EViews workfile is to open a foreign (non-EViews format) data source and to read the data into an new EViews workfile.

EViews can create a new workfile by opening data from a variety of formats

(HTML, Excel ®, CSV, ASCII, RATS, Stata, SPSS, SAS, etc…). The program automatically recognize the format and structure of files.

One method to read foreign data into a new workfile is to:

1. Copy the foreign data source to the Windows clipboard, right click on the gray area in your EViews window.

2. Select Paste as new Workfile.

EViews will automatically create a new workfile containing the contents of the clipboard. This method is only practical for small amounts of data. Alternately, you may open a foreign data source as an EViews workfile.

There are two ways to proceed.

1. First, you may select File/Open/Foreign Data as Workfile..., to bring up the standard file Open dialog.

Figure 3-5 Open File Dialog Box

2. Clicking on the Files of type combo box brings up a list of the file types that EViews currently supports for opening a workfile.

3-8


Figure 3-6 Workfile Create


3. Select a file type to narrow the list of files in the dialog, then choose the file you wish to open.

3-9



4. Select OK. EViews will open the specified foreign data as an EViews workfile.

If you choose one of the remaining source types, EViews will create a new unstructured workfile.

• First, EViews will open a series of dialogs prompting you to describe and select data to be read.

• The data will be read into the new workfile, which will be resized to fit.

NOTE Please review the following:

• If you select a time series database file (e.g., Aremos TSD, GiveWin/Pc-Give, Rats 4.x, Rats Portable, TSP Portable), EViews will create a new, regular frequency workfile containing the contents of the entire file.

• If there are mixed frequencies in the database, EViews will select the lowest frequency, and convert all of the series to that frequency using the default conversion settings (we emphasize here that all of these database formats may also be opened as databases by selecting File/Open/Database... and filling out the dialogs, allowing for additional control over the series to be read, the new workfile frequency, and any frequency conversion).

If Then

If possible EViews will attempt to structure the workfile using information in the file.

If this is not possible but you still wish to apply a specific workfile structure with these data,

You will have to define a structured workfile using the advanced workfile structure tools (see “Structuring a Workfile” on page 213).

3-10


3.2.3 Creating a Workfile from an Excel File

The easiest way to create a workfile is to drag/drop the file onto EViews desktop. A “+” (plus) “Copy” sign appears when the file is in the appropriate area Excel Read dialog appears. In most cases (including this one), clicking Finish on this dialog will load the data EViews scans the Excel file to determine the structure. EViews will successfully open the file. Each of the Excel columns is now an individual series EViews created an undated workfile (with 50 observations) since there were

no date columns in Excel

Another way to create a workfile is to:

1. Click File → Open → Foreign Data as Workfile.

2. Select the directory where the Excel file is stored and open file.

Open File Dialog Box

3. The Excel Read dialog appears again.

Figure 3-9 Workfile Create - Excel

3-11


4. Click on Finish to complete the file transfer. If you want to make changes to the file use the following table to select changes the parameters. Select Next to access the next menu.

Figure 3-10 Workfile Create - Excel

NAME DESCRIPTION

Cell range Predefined Cell Range

Custom Range

Sheet

End cell

Transpose

Next/Back

Finish

Cancel

3-12


5. Click Finish to load the data

EViews automatically detected that the source data was a time series. You can see that the Range at the top of the workfile correctly shows the date format of the file.

NAME DESCRIPTION

Column headers Header lines:

Header type:

Column info Name:

Description:

Data type

Text Representing N/A

3-13

Chapter 3 Workfiles New

3.3 New

Form the

3.3.1 Database

Figure 3-11 Database

NAME DESCRIPTION

3-14


3.3.1.1 Browse Registry

Figure 3-12 Database-Browse Registry

Database specification Database/File Type:

EVeiws Database

EViews v6 Database

DRIPro Link

Fame Local Database

Aremos TSD File

DRI DDS Format File

GiveWin/PcGive File

Rats 4.x File

Rats Portable File

TSP Portable File

DB File name/path

Browse files

Browse Registry: see screen below

Add to Registry

Open as Database alias (optional short name)

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registered Databases

3-15


3.3.1.1.1 Edit Registry

Figure 3-13 Database - Database Registry

Edit Registry

Select

Cancel

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registered Databases and files

Add new entry

Edit entry

Remove entry

Toggle search

Move to top of Search

Auto Search

Default database in search Path

Include at start of search order

Include at end of search order

Do not include in search

OK

Cancel

3-16


3.3.1.1.2 Add new entry/edit entry

Database Registry Entry

Figure 3-14 Database - Database Registry Entry

NAME DESCRIPTION

Registry Entry Database alias (short name)

Include database in autosearch

Database Specification Database/file type;

Database/name path

Server specification

User name

Password

3-17


3.3.2 Program

Figure 3-15 Program

Browse files



NAME DESCRIPTION

Run

Print

Save

Save As

Cut

Copy

Paste

Insert Txt

Find

Replace

Wrap +/-

Line Number +/-

Encrypt

3-18


3.3.2.1 Run Program

Figure 3-16 Run Program

3.3.2.2 Print

NAME DESCRIPTION

Program name or path

Program arguments

Runtime errors Verbose (slow) update screen/line status

Quiet (fast) no screen/Staus line updates

Version 4 compatible variable substitution and program boolean comparisons. Maximum errors before halting.

Save options as default

OK

Cancel

3-19


Figure 3-17 Print

NAME DESCRIPTION

Destination Printer

Redirect

Filename

Properties

Text/Table options Text size

Percent

Orientation

Print Range Entire Table/Text

Current Selection

Table Options Box around tables

Include headers

OK

Cancel

3-20

Chapter 3 Workfiles Open

3.3.3 TextFile

Figure 3-18 Textfile

3.4 OpenThis command is accessed from the File pulldown menu. It has six options that

NAME DESCRIPTION

Print

Save

Save As

Cut

Copy

Paste

Find

Replace

3-21


Figure 3-19 Open Menu

3.4.1 EViews Workfile...

You can use File/Open/EViews Workfile… to load into memory a previously saved workfile. You may also drag-and-drop the workfile onto your EViews workspace.

When you select File/Open/EViews Workfile…

• You will see a standard Windows file dialog.

• Navigate to the appropriate directory and double click on the name of the workfile to load it into RAM.

The workfile window will open and all of the objects in the workfile will immediately be available.

3.4.2 Foreign Data as Workfile

Opening a foreign (non-EViews format) data source and to reading the data into an new EViews workfile is another method of creating an EViews workfile.

• EViews can create a new workfile by opening data from a variety of formats (HTML, Excel ®, CSV, ASCII, RATS, Stata, SPSS, SAS, etc…).

• EViews automatically recognizes the format and structure of files.

Open the file in EViews and the application do the rest.

NOTE EViews keeps a record of the most recently used files at the bottom of the File menu. Select an entry and it will be opened in EViews.

NOTICE The current version of EViews can read workfiles from all previous versions of EViews. Some objects may be modified when they are read into the current version.

3-22


Method 1

This method is only practical for small amounts of data.

1. Copy the foreign data source to the Windows clipboard, right click on the gray area in your EViews window.

2. Select Paste as new Workfile.

EViews will automatically create a new workfile containing the contents of the clipboard.

Method 2

There are two ways to proceed.

1. First, you may select File/Open/Foreign Data as Workfile..., to bring up the standard file Open dialog.


2. Clicking on the Files of type combo box brings up a list of the file types that EViews currently supports for opening a workfile.


3-23



3. Select a file type to narrow the list of files in the dialog, then choose the file you wish to open.


4. Select OK. EViews will open the specified foreign data as an EViews workfile.

Please note the following:

• If you select a time series database file (e.g., Aremos TSD, GiveWin/Pc-Give, Rats 4.x, Rats Portable, TSP Portable), EViews will create a new, regular frequency workfile containing the contents of the entire file.

• If there are mixed frequencies in the database, EViews will select the lowest frequency, and convert all of the series to that frequency using the default conversion settings (we emphasize here that all of these database formats may also be opened as databases by selecting File/Open/Database... and filling out the dialogs, allowing for additional control over the series to be read, the new workfile frequency, and any frequency conversion).

If you choose one of the remaining source types, EViews will create a new unstructured workfile.

• First, EViews will open a series of dialogs prompting you to describe and select data to be read.

3-24


• The data will be read into the new workfile, which will be resized to fit.

3.4.3 Database

pg 281 296

Figure 3-24 Open/Database

If Then

If possible EViews will attempt to structure the workfile using information in the file.

If this is not possible but you still wish to apply a specific workfile structure with these data,

You will have to define a structured workfile using the advanced workfile structure tools (see “Structuring a Workfile” on page 213).

NAME DESCRIPTION

Database Specification Database/file type;

Database/name path

Browse files

3-25

Chapter 3 Workfiles Import

3.4.4 Programs

3.4.5 Programs in Add-ins Folder

3.4.6 Text File

3.5 Import

3.5.1 Import from File

3.5.2 Fetch from DB

Browse Registry

Add to Registry

Open as Database alias (optional short name)

OK Accepts input and changes.

Cancel Ends menu.

3-26

Chapter 3 Workfiles Export

Figure 3-25 Fetch from DB

3.5.3 TSD File Input

3.5.4 DRI Basic Economic Database

3.5.5 Read

3.6 Export

NAME DESCRIPTION

Fetch from

Path for DE files

Objects to fetch

Links

OK

Cancel

3-27


3.6.1 Store to Database

3.6.2 TSD File Export

3.6.3 Write Text-Lotus-Excel

This feature allows you to export to a spreadsheet or Text File.. Enter the name and type of the output file in the SaveAs dialog. As you fill out the SaveAs dialog, keep in mind the following behavior:

• If you enter a file name with an extension, EViews will use the file extension to identify the file type. Files with common spreadsheet extensions (“.XLS”, “.WK3”, “.WK1”, and “.WKS”) will be saved to the appropriate spreadsheet type. All others will be saved as ASCII files.

• If you do not enter an extension, EViews will use the file type selected in the combo-box to determine the output type. Spreadsheet files will have the appropriate extensions appended to the name. ASCII files will be saved using the name provided in the dialog, without an extension. EViews will not append extensions to ASCII files unless you explicitly include one in the file name.

• EViews cannot write into an existing file. The file that you select will be replaced.

Once you have specified the output file, click OK to open the export dialog.

3.6.4 System Tools

Print

Print Setup

Run

Save

You should name and save your workfile for future use. Push the Save button on the workfile toolbar to save a copy of the workfile on disk. You can also save a file using the File/Save As… or File/Save… choices from the main menu. EViews will display the Windows common file dialog.

NOTE If you highlight the series you wish to export before beginning the export procedure, the series names will be used to fill out the export dialog.

3-28


You can specify the target directory in the upper file menu labeled Save in. You can navigate between directories in the standard Windows fashion—click once on the down arrow to access a directory tree; double clicking on a directory name in the display area gives you a list of all the files and subdirectories in that directory. Once you have worked your way to the right directory, type the name you want to give the workfile in the File name field and push the Save button.

Alternatively, you could just type the full Windows path information and name in the File name edit field.

In most cases, you will save your data as an EViews workfile. By default, EViews will save your data in this format, using the specified name and the extension “.WF1”. You may, of course, choose to save the data in your workfile in a foreign data format by selecting a different format in the combo box. We explore the subject of saving foreign formats below in xxxxxx.

Saveas

Close

Exit

3-29

Chapter 3 Workfiles Edit

3.7 Edit

Figure 3-26 Edit Pull-down Menu

3.7.1 Object

NAME DESCRIPTION

Undo

Cut

Copy

Paste

Paste Special

Delete

Find...

Replace

Next

Insert Next File

3-30


Figure 3-27 Object Pulldown Menu

Object

An elemental part of EViews design is the concept of an object. Objects are collectionsof related information and operations that are bundled together into an easy-to-use unit. EViews holds all of its objects in object containers. The most important object container in EViews is the workfile, which is described in Chapter 3.“Workfile Basics,” beginning on page 33.

NAME DESCRIPTION

New Object

Fetch from DB

Update from DB

Copy Object

Name

Delete

Freeze Output

Replace

Next

Insert Next File

Print

View Options

3-31


NAME DESCRIPTION

New Object.. After you click on the Object/New Object… menu entry, you will see the New Object dialog box.

CONDITIONS:

•Until you have created or loaded a workfile, this selection is unavailable.

•To create an object, you must first make certain that you have an open workfile container and that its window is active.

Generate Series..

3-32


View

Manage Links & Formulas..

Fetch from DB..

Update selected from DB..

Copy selected...

Rename selected...

Delete selected...

Print selected...

3-33


NAME DESCRIPTION

Open selected (You may also select View/Open Selected or right-mouse click and select Open to access menus for opening the multiple objects.)

Note that if you select multiple graphs and double click or select View/Open Selected/One Window, all of the graphs will be merged into a single graph and displayed in a single window. Other multiple item selections are not valid, and will either issue an error or will simply not respond when you double click.

When you open an object, EViews will display the current view. In general, the current view of an object is the view that was displayed the last time the object was opened (if an object has never been opened, EViews will use a default view). The exception to this general rule is for those views that require significant computational time. In this latter case, the current view will revert to the default.

Show... Click on the Show button on the toolbar, or select Quick/Show… from the menu and type in the object name or names.An alternative method of selecting and opening objects is to “show” the item.The Show button can also be used to display functions of series, also known as auto-series*.

•Showing an object works exactly as if you first selected the object or objects, and then opened your selection.

•If you enter a single object name in the dialog box, EViews will open The Object Window—73 the object as if you double clicked on the object name.

•If you enter multiple names, EViews will always open a single window to display results, creating a new object if necessary.

*All of the rules for auto-series that are outlined in “Database Auto-Series” on page 279 will apply.

Select All (except C-RESID)

Select By Filter...

Deselect All

Details +/-

Display Filter...

Name Display

Statistics

Label

3-34


Proc

NAME DESCRIPTION

Set Sample

Structure/Resize Current Page...

Contract Current Page...

Reshape Current Page

Copy Extract Current Page

Sort Current Page...

Load Workfile Page...

Sqave Current Page...

Delete Current Page

Import

Export

3-35


Quick

NAME DESCRIPTION

Sample...

Generate Series...

Show...

Graph...

Empty Group (Edit Series)

Series Statistics

Group Statistics

Estimate Equations...

Estimate VAR...

3-36


Options

Add-ins

NAME DESCRIPTION

General Options...

Graphics Defaults

Data Registry

EViews Auto-update from Web

NAME DESCRIPTION

General Options...

Graphics Defaults

Data Registry

EViews Auto-update from Web

3-37


Window

NAME DESCRIPTION

Mange Add-ins...

Download Add-ins...

Manage User Objects...

NAME DESCRIPTION

Mange Add-ins...

Download Add-ins...


NAME DESCRIPTION

Mange Add-ins...

Download Add-ins...


3-38


Help

NAME DESCRIPTION

Cascade

Close All

Close All Objects

Toggle Command Docking

Activate Next

NAME DESCRIPTION

EViews Help Topics...

READ ME

Quick Help Reference

User Guide I

3-39


3.7.1.1 The Main Menu

User Guide II

Object Reference

EViews License Agreement

EViews Registration

EViews on the Web

EViews Users Forum

EViews Update

About EViews

NAME DESCRIPTION

File

Edit

Object

View

Proc

Quick

Options

Windows

Help

3-40


NAME DESCRIPTION

View

Proc

Properties

Print

Name

Freeze

Raw Data

Sort

NAME DESCRIPTION

View

Proc

Properties

Print

Name

Freeze

Raw Data

Sort

3-41


3-42

Chapter 4 Objects Objects Overview

Chapter 4 Objects

In this chapter:• All menus/commands/operations under the Objects tab

• Explains what a Object is and how to make them

4.1 Objects OverviewCentral to the program design is the concept of an object. They are collections of related information and operations that are bundled together into a unit. Most of your work in EViews will involve using or changing objects.

EViews holds all of its objects in object containers. The most important object container in EViews is the workfile, which is described in Chapter 2.

4.1.1 Description

Just below the Titlebar is a button bar that provides you with easy access to useful workfile operations. These buttons are simply shortcuts to items that may be accessed from the main EViews menu. For example, the clicking on the Fetch button is equivalent to selecting Object/Fetch from DB... from the main menu.

Click here to create a new workfile page

Current Sample (click to change)

Click to scroll page tabs

Workfile Directory

Workfile Flange and Structure(click to structure or resize)

Title Bar Button Bar Current Filter (click to change)

Workfile page tabs (click to set active page)

EViews 8 4-1


What is an Object?

Information in EViews is stored in objects. Each object consists of a collection of information related to a particular area of analysis. For example, a series object is a collection of information related to a set of observations on a particular variable. An equation object is a collection of information related to the relationship between a collection of variables.

Note that an object need not contain only one type of information. For example, an estimated equation object contains not only the coefficients obtained from estimation of the equation, but also a description of the specification, the variance-covariance matrix of the coefficient estimates, and a variety of statistics associated with the estimates.

Associated with each type of object is a set of views and procedures which can be used with the information contained in the object. This association of views and procedures with the type of data contained in the object is what we term the object oriented design of EViews.

The object oriented design simplifies your work in EViews by organizing information as you work. For example, since an equation object contains all of the information relevant to an estimated relationship, you can move freely between a variety of equation specifications simply by working with different equation objects. You can examine results, perform hypothesis and specification tests, or generate forecasts at any time. Managing your work is simplified since only a single object is used to work with an entire collection of data and results.

4.1.2 Object Types

The most common objects in EViews are series and equation objects. There are, however, a number of different types of objects, each of which serves a unique function. Most objects are represented by a unique icon which is displayed in the object container (workfile or database) window. The basic object icons are given by:

NAME DESCRIPTION

4-2 EViews 8


Despite the fact that they are also objects, object containers do not have icons since they cannot be placed in other object containers—thus, workfiles and databases do not have icons since they cannot be placed in other workfiles or databases.

Note also that there are special icons that correspond to special versions of the objects:

If you set a series object to be auto-updating (see ), EViews will use the special icon to indicate that the series depends upon a formula. In contrast, an auto-updating alpha series (which we imagine to be less common) uses the original alpha icon, with an orange color to indicate the presence of a formula.

When group data are stored in databases, you will be given the option of storing the group definition (list of series names) alone, or both the group definition and the series contained in the group (see ). If the latter are stored, the stan-dard group icon will be modified, with the “+” indicating the additional presence of the series data.

Lastly, a link object (see ), is always in one of three states, depending upon the definition contained in the link. If the link is to a numeric source series, the link object is displayed using a series icon, since it may be used as though it were an ordinary series, with a distinctive pink color used to indicate that the object depends on linked data. If the link is to an alpha source series, the link will show up as an alpha series icon, again in pink. If, however, the link object is unable to locate the source series, EViews will display the “?” icon indicating that the series type is unknown.

Alpha Matrix Spool Text

Coef Model Sspace Valmap

Equation Pool String Var

Factor Rowvector Svector Vector

Graph Sample Sym

Group Scalar System

Logl Series Table

Auto-updating Series

Group data and definitions (in databases)

Undefined Link

EViews 8 4-3


4.1.3 Equation - Workfile

Figure 4-1 Workfile - Equation

NAME DESCRIPTION

View

Proc

Object

Print

Name

Freeze

Estimate

Forecast

Stats

4-4 EViews 8


4.1.4 Series - Workfile

Figure 4-2 Workfile - Series

NAME DESCRIPTION

View

Proc

Object

Properties

Print

Name

Freeze

Sort

Edit+/-

Smpl+/-

Label+/-

Wide+/-

Sample

Genr

EViews 8 4-5


4.1.5 Graph - Workfile

Figure 4-3 Workfile - Graph

NAME DESCRIPTION

View

Proc

Object

Print

Name

Freeze

Option

Update

Add Text

Line/Shade

Remove

Template

Zoom

4-6 EViews 8

software guide

Documents

copyextract current

structureresize current

sort current page

current page2

load workfile page

new workfile

workfile overview

store selected