The Efficiency Gap

Parameter estimation via M- and Z-estimation is equally powerful in semiparametric models for one-dimensional functionals due to a one-to-one relation between corresponding loss and identification functions via integration and differentiation. For multivariate functionals such as multiple moments, quantiles, or the pair (Value at Risk, Expected Shortfall), this one-to-one relation fails and not every identification function possesses an antiderivative. The most important implication is an efficiency gap: The most efficient Z-estimator often outperforms the most efficient M-estimator. We theoretically establish this phenomenon for pairs of quantiles at different levels and for (Value at Risk, Expected Shortfall), and illustrate the gap numerically.