Alternative linear and non-linear detrending techniques: a comparative analysis based on euro-zone data - Products Statistical working papers

It is shown how to compare the distortionary effect of alternative business cycle filters by measuring the distortionary effect of the filters. The measurements are based on the ad hoc assumption that the "true" business cycle filter is an ideal high-pass filter or an ideal band-pass filter for a band of frequencies which is determined after measuring the duration of growth cycles or the business cycle component.