Local Projections

Local Projections (LP) is a semi-parametric method for estimating impulse responses directly via multi-horizon regressions, bypassing VAR-model specification. Introduced by Jorda (2005), it projects outcomes h periods ahead onto current shocks and lags, producing impulse-response functions without assuming a particular lag structure or VAR order. This flexibility has made it the dominant approach in applied macroeconomics for measuring policy effects and shock transmission.