On the use of sequential Monte Carlo methods for approximating smoothing functionals, with application to fixed parameter estimation
Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods have demonstrated a strong potential for inference on the state variables in Bayesian dynamic models. In this context, it is also often needed to calibrate model parameters. To do so, we consider block maximum likelihood estimation based either on EM (Expectation-Maximization) or gradient methods. In this approach, the key ingredient is the computation of smoot