A multivariate Wald‐Wolfowitz rank test against serial dependence

Abstract

Rank‐based cross‐covariance matrices, extending to the case of multivariate observed series the (univariate) rank autocorrelation coefficients introduced by Wald and Wolfowitz (1943), are considered. A permutational central limit theorem is established for the joint distribution of such matrices, under the null hypothesis of (multivariate) randomness as well as under contiguous alternatives of (multivariate) ARMA dependence. A rank‐based, permutationaily distribution‐free test of the portmanteau type is derived, and its asymptotic local power is investigated. Finally, a modified rank‐based version of Tiao and Box's model specification procedure is proposed, which is likely to be more reliable under non‐Gaussian conditions, and more robust against gross errors.