Explanation
Random walks have a unit root.
Key definitions:
- Unit root: When the autoregressive coefficient in an AR(1) model equals 1
- Random walk: xt=xt−1+εt where the coefficient on xt−1 is exactly 1
- AR(0) models: White noise processes with no autoregressive component
- Covariance-stationary AR(1) models: Require ∣ϕ∣<1 for stationarity
Analysis:
- Option A (AR(0)): No autoregressive component, so no unit root
- Option B (Random walks): By definition, have unit root (coefficient = 1)
- Option C (Covariance-stationary AR(1)): By definition, ∣ϕ∣<1, so no unit root
Therefore, only random walks have a unit root.