Skip to main content
Discussion Paper

On the Performance of Least Squares in Linear Regression with Undefined Error Means

This paper considers the linear regression model with multiple stochastic regressors, intercept, and errors that have undefined means. This model is of interest from a robustness perspective as a polar case. Generally, least squares estimators are inconsistent in this context. It is shown, however, that this inconsistency is restricted to the estimation of the intercept, if the regressors are highly variable. Rates of convergence of the least squares slope estimators are determined, and are shown to exceed the standard rate, n-1/2, in certain contexts.