Negative values are handled strange when raised to a power

[nvangiersbergen]

Check the difference between the correct series r2 and incorrect series r2p in the program below:

workfile c:\check.wf1 u 1 5
!r=-0.3
genr r2=!r*!r
genr r2p=!r^2

I was able to replicate this serious error in Eviews 5, 6 and 7!
Looking forward to your reply.

[EViews Gareth]

This isn't a bug or an error, rather it is just the nature of text substitution, and text interpretation.
Note that the following is also true, and also not an error:

Code: Select all

series x1 = -3^2 series x2 = -3*-3

[nvangiersbergen]

Well, I find it strange that in the manual these variables are referred to as control variables.
In any other programming language, a variable squared, i.e. !r^2, would be interpreted as (!r)^2. Clearly, this is not the case in Eviews and frankly quite counterintuitive.
Apparently, control variables are treated as strings, i.e. a value as if you would enter them from the keyboard.

[EViews Gareth]

I've made a note to make it more explicit in the manual.