Information Matrix

Following a previous entry on postcodes, we have been asked how US zip codes can be used for mortality modelling.

A phenomenon to watch for is that of the "self-prophesying model".  It occurs when a variable is too specific to the mortality experience of a reference portfolio to have wider application. 

Following my entry on postcode profiling, I have been asked two further questions. The first is whether you have to use Experian's Mosaic system.

There is some degree of confusion over what people mean by "postcode" when applied to modelling mortality in the United Kingdom. There are varying ways of using postcodes, depending how much of the full postcode is actually used.