Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 July 2016
The general minimum mean square error prediction problem is studied for the class of processes defined by polynomial functions of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. In particular, the relative error difference for non-linear prediction compared with optimal linear prediction is calculated. Limiting values are determined, including an upper bound for the maximal relative error difference. These results show no difference over the entire class for both long and short prediction lead times. For a single Hermite polynomial, the relative error difference is zero. An analytical solution for the maximal difference for lead times below a given threshold is derived. This latter result has been verified numerically on a digital computer for polynomials up to 17th degree.