Convolved subsampling estimation with applications to block bootstrap

The block bootstrap approximates sampling distributions from dependent data by resampling data blocks. A fundamental problem is establishing its consistency for the distribution of a sample mean, as a prototypical statistic. We use a structural relationship with subsampling to characterize the bootstrap in a new and general manner. While subsampling and block bootstrap differ, the block bootstrap distribution of a sample mean equals that of a k-fold self-convolution of a subsampling distribution. Motivated by this, we provide simple necessary and sufficient conditions for a convolved subsampling estimator to produce a normal limit that matches the target of bootstrap estimation. These conditions may be linked to consistency properties of an original subsampling distribution, which are often obtainable under minimal assumptions. Through several examples, the results are shown to validate the block bootstrap for means under significantly weakened assumptions in many existing (and some new) dependence settings, which also addresses a standing conjecture of Politis, Romano and Wolf [Subsampling (1999) Springer]. Beyond sample means, convolved subsampling may not match the block bootstrap, but instead provides an alternative resampling estimator that may be of interest. Under minimal dependence conditions, results also broadly establish convolved subsampling for general statistics having normal limits.