EViews - Detailed Review
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EViews - Detailed Review Contents
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EViews - Product Overview
EViews is a comprehensive software package that specializes in econometric, statistical, and forecasting analysis. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
EViews is primarily used for managing and analyzing time series data, as well as cross-sectional and panel data. It provides tools for regression analysis, forecasting, and model simulations, making it a versatile tool for various analytical tasks.Target Audience
EViews is designed for a wide range of users, including financial institutions, corporations, government agencies, and academics. It is particularly useful for those involved in economic research, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making.Key Features
Data Management
EViews allows users to enter, extend, and correct time series data. It supports reading and writing data files in standard spreadsheet formats and integrates well with other Windows products.Statistical Analysis
The software offers a range of statistical tools, including regression analysis, time-series analysis, and model solving. It can handle simultaneous models and perform advanced statistical procedures like singular value decomposition and eigenvector solutions.Forecasting
EViews is renowned for its forecasting capabilities, enabling users to generate forecasts based on regression models and other advanced techniques such as Facebook Prophet and MIDAS GARCH estimation.User Interface
The software features an intuitive, object-oriented interface that is easy to use. Users can perform tasks using either a mouse-driven interface or a powerful command language, which allows for scripting and automation of repetitive tasks.Visualization and Reporting
EViews provides tools for creating high-quality graphs and tables, which can be easily integrated into other applications like PowerPoint. It supports copy-and-paste, object linking, and embedding, making it convenient for presentation and publication.Advanced Features
Recent versions of EViews include enhancements such as JDemetra seasonal adjustment, Quantile ARDL estimation, and tests for series trends and break points, among others. Overall, EViews is a powerful and user-friendly tool that simplifies every step of data analysis, from input and visualization to statistical analysis and forecasting. EViews - User Interface and Experience
The user interface of EViews, a prominent tool in the field of econometric and statistical analysis, is crafted with a focus on ease of use and a seamless user experience.
Object-Based Interface
At the heart of EViews is an object-based interface, where each object, such as series, equations, and systems, has its own window, menus, procedures, and views of its data. This approach allows users to switch between different views of an object, like changing a series window between a spreadsheet, various graph views, descriptive statistics, and tests, all through simple menu choices.Multiple Window Display
EViews supports the simultaneous display of multiple objects, each in its own window. This feature enables side-by-side comparisons of series plots, hypothesis tests, equation estimates, or model forecasts, making it easier to analyze and compare different data sets and results.Dynamic Object Updating
The software incorporates advanced linking technology that allows users to define relationships between multiple objects and external data sources. For instance, series objects can be linked by formula to other data, ensuring that the data updates dynamically when the underlying data changes. This feature extends to model simulation objects, which can be linked to equation or system objects for automatic updates when the underlying specifications change.Interface Improvements
In newer versions of EViews, several interface improvements have been introduced. For example, EViews 9 includes a command capture feature that saves the equivalent text commands for operations performed through the user interface. These commands can be displayed, exported, or used to create new programs. The command and capture windows are dockable, floatable, and hideable, allowing users to manage their workspace efficiently.Object Preview
EViews 9 also introduces an object preview mode that enables quick browsing through objects in workfiles and databases. Users can view metadata and object-specific information without opening each object individually. This feature is particularly useful for group objects, where users can preview group members, view line graphs of selected members, and export objects from databases into workfiles.User-Friendly Features
EViews 11 further enhances the user experience with features like the Command Explorer, which provides quick access to all available commands for a specific object type along with associated documentation. The name and command auto-complete feature simplifies issuing commands by completing object names and suggesting available commands, which is especially helpful for workfiles with many objects or long names.Visual Enhancements
The software includes visual enhancements such as value-based coloring using a new colormapping engine. This allows users to quickly identify outliers, negative values, or numerical trends in series and group spreadsheets and Geomaps.Integration and Add-ins
EViews integrates well with Windows, supporting drag-and-drop file import for over twenty popular file formats and copy-and-paste export of presentation-quality graphs and tables. The Add-ins infrastructure allows users to extend EViews functionality with user-defined programs, new menu entries, and custom object windows. Overall, EViews is designed to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that streamlines statistical and econometric tasks, making it a valuable tool for researchers and analysts. The interface is highly customizable and user-friendly, ensuring a positive and productive user experience. EViews - Key Features and Functionality
EViews Overview
EViews is a comprehensive software package for data handling, statistical analysis, econometric modeling, forecasting, and simulation, with several key features that make it a powerful tool for researchers and analysts.
Data Handling and Management
- EViews supports various data types, including numeric, alphanumeric (string), and date series, along with value labels.
- It allows for the creation and management of complex data structures such as regular and irregular dated data, cross-section data, and panel data (dated and undated).
- Users can import data from multiple sources, including CSV files and online databases, using drag-and-drop functionality for automatic conversion and linking of data into the EViews workfile format.
Statistical and Econometric Analysis
- EViews offers an extensive library of operators and statistical, mathematical, date, and string functions. This powerful language enables users to handle and transform data using these functions.
- The software supports a wide range of statistical analyses, from simple descriptive statistics to parametric and nonparametric hypothesis tests, including tests on mean, median, and variance, as well as ANOVA.
- Advanced econometric models are also supported, such as Binary Logit, Probit, Gompit, Ordered Logit, Tobit models, Count models (Poisson, negative binomial), Heckman Selection models, and models with Huber/White robust standard errors.
Forecasting and Simulation
- EViews includes built-in forecasting procedures for in- and out-of-sample forecasting using various models like ARIMA and GARCH. These models help in predicting future values of time series data.
- The software also supports frequency conversion and dynamic updating of data, ensuring that models and forecasts adjust automatically when the underlying data change.
Data Presentation and Programming
- EViews allows users to create multi-page workfiles and perform various data manipulation tasks such as match merge, join, append, subset, resize, sort, and reshape (stack and unstack) workfiles.
- The software features a powerful command language and visual interface, enabling users to enter and edit commands, create and store commands for complete research projects, and use standard Windows menus and dialogs.
Integration and Compatibility
- EViews integrates seamlessly with other tools, such as the EViews Microsoft Excel Add-in, which allows linking or importing data from EViews workfiles and databases directly within Excel.
- The software supports reading and writing data files in standard spreadsheet formats, enhancing compatibility with other data analysis tools.
AI Integration
While the core features of EViews itself do not explicitly integrate AI, tools like the EViews Helper, which is not a part of the core EViews software but rather a complementary tool, leverage AI to assist in financial econometrics. EViews Helper uses AI to guide users in importing financial data, applying econometric models like ARIMA and GARCH, performing diagnostic tests, and interpreting results, particularly for asset price modeling and forecasting.
Conclusion
In summary, EViews is a versatile and powerful tool for data analysis and econometric modeling, offering a wide range of features that cater to various needs in research and analysis. While AI integration is not inherent in the core EViews software, complementary tools like EViews Helper enhance its capabilities through AI-driven assistance.
EViews - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
EViews is highly capable in handling various types of data, including time series, cross-sectional, and panel data. It offers a wide range of econometric models such as linear and non-linear regression, ARIMA models, GARCH models, and VAR models.CPU and RAM Utilization
EViews can utilize multiple CPU cores efficiently, which helps in speeding up computations. However, for very large and complex models, such as multivariate ARCH models, even powerful machines may struggle due to the inherent computational demands of these models. Increasing CPU power or RAM may not significantly improve performance in such cases.Data Handling
EViews provides powerful tools for importing, managing, and transforming data from various sources, including spreadsheets, text files, and databases. It also supports drag-and-drop data import and automatic frequency conversion, which enhances user efficiency.Accuracy
EViews is known for its accuracy in econometric modeling and forecasting:Forecasting Tools
The software offers advanced forecasting tools, including automatic ARIMA forecasting, VAR forecasting, and forecast evaluation methods. It computes various measures of forecast accuracy such as RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and the Theil Inequality Coefficient. Additionally, it includes statistical tests like the Diebold-Mariano test to compare the accuracy of competing forecasts.Model Estimation
EViews supports a wide range of econometric models with precise estimation capabilities. It includes features for hypothesis testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and other statistical analyses, ensuring that the results are reliable and accurate.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Computational Limits
For very large and complex models, EViews can be slow and may not fully utilize the available computational resources. This is particularly true for models with a large number of coefficients, such as multivariate ARCH models.Hardware Dependence
While EViews can utilize multiple CPU cores, the improvement in performance may be limited by the nature of the algorithms used. In some cases, even with more powerful hardware, the speed improvement might be minimal.User Interface and Complexity
While EViews is powerful, it can be complex to use, especially for users without a strong background in econometrics. Simplifying the user interface or providing more intuitive guides could make it more accessible to a broader range of users. In summary, EViews is a powerful tool for econometric analysis and forecasting, offering high accuracy and a wide range of features. However, it has limitations, particularly with very complex models, and may require significant computational resources. Ensuring optimal hardware and understanding the limitations of certain models can help users get the most out of the software. EViews - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of EViews
The pricing structure of EViews, a statistical analysis software, is segmented into several categories to cater to different user needs, particularly for academic and commercial users.
Commercial Users
For commercial users, the pricing is as follows:
- Single-User License: EViews 14 costs $2,375 for a new license.
- Upgrade License: Upgrading from any previous version (EViews 1-13) costs $900.
Academic Users
Academic users benefit from significantly lower prices:
- Single-User License: EViews 14 costs $700 for a new license.
- Upgrade License: Upgrading from any previous version (EViews 1-13) costs $380.
To qualify for academic pricing, the licensee must be affiliated with an accredited and degree-granting institution and provide proof of current academic affiliation.
Academic Volume Licenses
For educational institutions, EViews offers volume licensing options:
- Base License Fee: $1,580 (required for all new purchases and renewals).
- Concurrent Use Licenses: These allow EViews to be shared across computers within a single network. The pricing varies based on the number of concurrent use licenses:
- 1 Concurrent Use License Pack: $330 (new), $60 (annual renewal)
- 5 Concurrent Use License Pack: $1,640 (new), $290 (annual renewal)
- 10 Concurrent Use License Pack: $2,470 (new), $580 (annual renewal)
- And so on, up to 500 Concurrent Use License Pack.
- Computer Lab Licenses:
- 5 Computer Lab License Pack: $100 (annual renewal only)
- Unlimited Computer Lab License Pack: $1,500 (annual renewal only).
- Standalone License: $120 (available for institutions with a current site license).
Free Options
While there isn’t a completely free version of the latest EViews software, there are a few options to access it at no cost or reduced cost:
- Student Version 11: An older version, EViews 11 Student Version, is available for free download. This version is limited but can be useful for basic tasks.
- Demo Version: EViews offers a free demo version that works for 30 days. This allows users to test the software before deciding to purchase it.
Additional Notes
- Training and Support: Commercial users can include training options with their purchase, receiving a 20% discount when purchased with a new license.
- International Pricing: Prices may vary for non-U.S. customers, and they should check with local distributors for specific pricing.
This structure ensures that EViews is accessible to a wide range of users, from individual researchers to large academic and commercial institutions.
EViews - Integration and Compatibility
Integration Capabilities
EViews, a comprehensive software for econometric data analysis, offers significant integration capabilities with other popular tools and platforms, enhancing its versatility and usability.Integration with R
EViews allows seamless integration with R, enabling users to leverage the strengths of both applications. You can run R routines directly from within EViews using specific commands such as `Xopen`, `Xput`, and `Xget`. This integration enables the transfer of data between EViews and R, allowing you to use R functions and packages with EViews data and vice versa. For example, you can send data from an EViews workfile to R, execute R commands, and then retrieve the results back into EViews. This is particularly useful for using R packages like the forecast package to analyze data from EViews. Additionally, the `EviewsR` package facilitates one-way communication from R to EViews, allowing users to execute EViews code within R, R Markdown, and Quarto documents. This enhances the ability to create dynamic and reproducible research documents.Integration with MATLAB and Python
EViews also integrates with MATLAB and Python, similar to its integration with R. Users can launch or control these applications, transfer data, or execute commands directly from EViews. This multi-platform compatibility allows for a flexible workflow, combining the strengths of different programming languages and statistical tools.Data Compatibility and Conversion
EViews supports a wide range of data formats, enabling easy conversion and integration with various spreadsheet, statistical, and database formats. This includes Microsoft Excel, Access, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and more. It also supports ODBC databases and queries, although ODBC support is limited to the Enterprise Edition.External Database Integration
EViews has built-in support for several external databases, including FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data), DBNomics, World Bank, NOAA, US Census, US BEA, US BLS, ECB SDMX, IMF SDMX, UN SDMX, and EuroStat. For the Enterprise Edition, additional support includes Global Insight DRIPro and DRIBase, Haver Analytics DLX, FAME, EcoWin, Bloomberg, EIA, CEIC, Datastream, FactSet, and Moody’s Economy.com databases.System Compatibility
EViews 12 is compatible with 64-bit computers and works with Windows Servers back to 2008. This ensures that the software can be used on a variety of modern and older systems, provided they meet the specified system requirements.User Interface and Automation
EViews features a graphical object-oriented user interface that makes it easy to manage data, perform analyses, and generate high-quality graphs and tables. It also supports automatic frequency conversion, match merging, and auto-updating formula series, which are automatically recalculated whenever the underlying data change. This ease of use and automation make EViews a powerful yet user-friendly tool.Conclusion
In summary, EViews integrates seamlessly with R, MATLAB, and Python, supports a wide range of data formats, and is compatible with various external databases and systems. These features make EViews a versatile and powerful tool for econometric and statistical analysis. EViews - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
EViews offers a comprehensive set of customer support options and additional resources to help users effectively utilize their software.Technical Support
EViews provides technical support through several channels:Email Support
Users can contact the support team via email at support@eviews.com. It is recommended to include the serial number in all emails for quicker assistance.Phone Support
Technical support is available by phone at 949-856-3368, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.Business Hours and Contact Information
The support team operates during standard business hours, and users can also reach out to the company at their physical address: 4521 Campus Drive, #336, Irvine, CA 92612-2621, USA.Additional Resources
User Manuals and Documentation
EViews offers extensive user manuals and documentation that cover various aspects of the software, including data management, econometric analysis, time series analysis, and forecasting.Online Forums
The EViews forums are a valuable resource where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and get help from other users and the support team.Training and Tutorials
While not explicitly mentioned on the provided links, EViews often provides training materials and tutorials to help new users get started with the software.API and Programming Language
For advanced users, EViews offers an API and its own programming language, EViews Programming Language (EPL), which allows for automating tasks and extending the software’s functionality.Academic and Commercial Support
EViews is widely used in academic and commercial settings, and the company often participates in and hosts conferences and user group meetings, particularly in the government sector. This provides additional opportunities for users to network and gain insights from other professionals using the software. By leveraging these support options and resources, users of EViews can ensure they are making the most out of the software’s extensive features and capabilities. EViews - Pros and Cons
Advantages of EViews
EViews is a comprehensive statistical software that offers several significant advantages, particularly for economists, researchers, and analysts.User-Friendly Interface
EViews features a menu-driven, object-oriented user interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. It does not require learning a complicated command language, as many procedures are accessible through simple mouse clicks.Extensive Analytical Tools
The software supports a wide range of statistical analyses, including basic descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric hypothesis tests, covariance and factor analysis, and advanced econometric models like ARIMA, GARCH, and VAR models.Data Handling and Presentation
EViews allows for efficient data handling, including support for various data structures such as regular and irregular dated data, cross-section data, and panel data. It also offers powerful tools for data transformation, frequency conversion, and visualization, although the visualization aspect has been criticized by some users.Integration with Other Tools
EViews integrates well with other software, such as Microsoft Excel, through its add-in, which enables users to link or import data seamlessly.Custom Analysis
The software allows for user-specified maximum likelihood models, enabling custom analysis by defining log likelihood contributions and setting coefficient starting values.Data Storage and Organization
EViews can save results and data files in a single workfile, making it convenient to manage and retrieve data.Disadvantages of EViews
Despite its many advantages, EViews also has some notable disadvantages.Performance with Large Data
One of the significant drawbacks is its slow performance when handling large datasets. Users may experience delays of several minutes when running data forecasts or other intensive operations.Visualization
Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the visualization capabilities of EViews, finding the plots and graphs to be of poor quality and not suitable for presentations.Cost
The software is considered expensive, which can be a barrier for some users.Panel Data Analysis Limitations
EViews has limitations when dealing with long-term panel data sets due to restrictions on the matrix size of observations and variables. This can make it less feasible for certain types of panel data analysis.Matrix Operations and Likelihood Estimation
The software does not support matrix operations in likelihood estimation, and specifying likelihood functions can be tedious. Additionally, it does not optimize regression models subject to inequality constraints, which can be a challenge.Hypothesis Testing
Performing hypothesis tests using untransformed coefficients can be challenging in EViews, as it requires manual estimation of variances and handling non-linear transformations. Overall, EViews is a powerful tool for statistical analysis and econometrics, but it comes with some performance and usability issues that users should be aware of. EViews - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing EViews with Competitors
When comparing EViews, an econometric, statistics, and forecasting package, with its competitors in the Analytics and BI platform category, here are some key points to consider:
EViews Key Features
EViews is known for its powerful analytical tools within a flexible and easy-to-use interface. It offers advanced econometric and statistical analysis, forecasting, and data management capabilities. EViews is particularly favored in academic and professional settings for its ability to handle large datasets and perform complex statistical analyses.
Competitors and Unique Features
Mixpanel
Mixpanel is one of the top competitors of EViews, with a significant market share of 44.43%. Mixpanel is more focused on product analytics and user behavior, providing tools for tracking user interactions, funnels, and retention. Unlike EViews, Mixpanel is geared more towards product managers and marketers rather than econometricians and statisticians.
SAP Business Objects
SAP Business Objects holds a market share of 16.82% and is a comprehensive business intelligence platform. It offers advanced reporting, data visualization, and business analytics capabilities. While EViews is specialized in econometric and statistical analysis, SAP Business Objects is broader in scope, catering to a wide range of business intelligence needs.
Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense, with an 8.92% market share, is another major competitor. It is known for its data visualization and business intelligence capabilities, allowing users to create interactive dashboards and reports. Unlike EViews, Qlik Sense is more user-friendly for non-technical users and focuses on data discovery and visualization rather than advanced statistical analysis.
Other Notable Alternatives
Stata
Stata is a statistical software package that competes with EViews, especially in academic and research environments. Stata is known for its ease of use and extensive library of user-written programs, making it a popular choice for data analysis and statistical modeling.
SAS Analytics
SAS Analytics is another competitor that offers a wide range of analytical tools, including data mining, predictive analytics, and business intelligence. While EViews is specialized in econometrics and time-series analysis, SAS Analytics provides a broader suite of tools for various analytical tasks.
Unique Features of EViews
- Advanced Econometric Analysis: EViews is particularly strong in its ability to perform advanced econometric and statistical analyses, including time-series analysis and forecasting.
- Flexible Interface: It offers a user-friendly interface that is flexible and easy to use, even for complex statistical tasks.
- Data Management: EViews has robust data management capabilities, allowing users to handle large datasets efficiently.
Conclusion
EViews stands out in its category due to its specialized focus on econometric and statistical analysis, making it a preferred choice for researchers and professionals in these fields. However, for those needing broader business intelligence or product analytics capabilities, competitors like Mixpanel, SAP Business Objects, and Qlik Sense may be more suitable alternatives.
EViews - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about EViews
How Much Does EViews Cost?
EViews offers various pricing options depending on the user type and the number of licenses needed. For single-user licenses, EViews 14 costs $2,375 for commercial users and $700 for academic users. Upgrades from previous versions are $900 for commercial users and $380 for academic users. For academic volume licenses, the pricing varies based on the number of concurrent use licenses, with a base license fee of $1,580 and additional costs for concurrent use packs.How Do I Install and Register EViews?
For questions regarding the installation and registration of EViews, you can refer to the dedicated forum section on the EViews website. This section is moderated by EViews support staff and includes topics such as troubleshooting common installation issues and registering your license.What Types of Data Manipulation Can I Perform in EViews?
EViews allows for extensive data manipulation, including importing and exporting data, creating and manipulating series and groups, and performing various statistical and time-series functions. You can convert data from one frequency to another, create dummy variables, and perform other data manipulation tasks. Detailed tutorials are available on the EViews website to guide you through these processes.How Do I Create Graphs and Visualizations in EViews?
Creating graphs in EViews is straightforward. The software provides tutorials on how to create graphs of your data, including explanations of Graph Objects compared to Graph Views, and summaries of common graphing options. You can also work with graphs of panel data and customize your visualizations according to your needs.What Statistical Analysis Can I Perform in EViews?
EViews supports a wide range of statistical analyses, including linear regression, time series estimation, and forecasting. You can perform basic estimation tasks such as specifying and creating new equation objects, working with residuals, and conducting hypothesis testing. Advanced models like ARIMA and multivariate GARCH are also supported.How Do I Use EViews for Forecasting?
EViews provides tools for forecasting from single equations, including both dynamic and static forecasting. You can forecast from ARMA equations and equations with auto-series as the dependent variable. The software includes tutorials and guides on how to perform these forecasting tasks.Can I Use EViews for Programming and Automation?
Yes, EViews has a programming language that allows you to automate tasks and create custom programs. You can use the command language to create your own dialogs, use add-ins, and perform tasks such as automatic ARMA selection and rolling regressions. There are also guides and FAQs available on the EViews forum to help with programming-related questions.What Are the Differences Between Panel and Pool Data in EViews?
EViews distinguishes between panel and pool data. Panel data involves observations over multiple time periods for multiple individuals or entities, while pool data combines cross-sectional and time-series data without the panel structure. The EViews forum has detailed explanations and FAQs on how to work with both types of data and the differences between them.How Do I Manage Licenses in an Academic or Commercial Setting?
For academic institutions, EViews offers volume licenses with discounted pricing for use in computer laboratories, networks, and personal computers. These licenses include concurrent use licenses and standalone licenses, with options for computer lab licenses. Commercial volume licenses also offer discounts based on the number of units purchased. Detailed pricing and licensing information can be found on the EViews website.Where Can I Find Tutorials and Guides for Using EViews?
EViews provides comprehensive tutorials and guides on its website. These tutorials cover topics such as creating series and groups, data functions, graphing, statistical analysis, and programming. Additionally, the EViews forum is a valuable resource where you can find answers to common questions and interact with other users and support staff. EViews - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of EViews
EViews is a comprehensive and powerful software package that excels in the analysis of time-series, cross-section, and longitudinal data. Here’s a detailed look at who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.User-Friendly Interface and Broad Capabilities
EViews boasts an intuitive, object-oriented interface that makes it accessible to both novice and seasoned professionals. The software simplifies every step of the data analysis process, from data input and import to data visualization, statistical analysis, estimation, forecasting, and model solving. It supports a wide range of statistical and econometric analyses, including basic descriptive statistics, regression analysis, time-series analysis, and advanced techniques like ARIMA, GARCH, and vector autoregression.Advanced Features
EViews includes advanced tools such as deep learning integration with Keras and TensorFlow, spatial data analysis, and improved panel data analysis. These features make it an invaluable tool for researchers and analysts who need to apply advanced machine learning and econometric techniques to their data.Forecasting and Simulation
The software is particularly strong in forecasting and simulation, offering static and dynamic forecasting, forecast evaluation, stochastic simulation, and automatic ARIMA forecasting. This makes it highly useful for those who need to generate accurate forecasts and model simulations.Data Management and Visualization
EViews provides robust data management capabilities, including importing data from various sources, organizing and manipulating datasets, and handling missing values. It also offers improved graphing capabilities, allowing users to create high-quality graphs and tables for publication or other applications.Who Would Benefit Most
EViews is ideal for:- Researchers and Academics: Those involved in econometric and statistical research will find EViews invaluable due to its comprehensive set of analytical tools and ease of use.
- Financial Institutions: Financial analysts and economists can benefit from its advanced forecasting and modeling capabilities.
- Government Agencies: Analysts in government agencies can use EViews for policy analysis, economic forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
- Students: The EViews University Edition and the free Student Version Lite provide students with a powerful tool for learning and applying econometric and statistical techniques.