Comparative risk aversion: A formal approach with applications to saving behavior

Article dans une revue: We consider a formal approach to comparative risk aversion and apply it to intertemporal choice models. This allows us to ask whether standard classes of utility functions, such as those inspired by Kihlstrom and Mirman (1974) [16], Selden (1978) [27], Epstein and Zin (1989) [10] and Quiggin (1982) [25] are well ordered in terms of risk aversion. Moreover, opting for this model-free approach allows us to establish new general results on the impact of risk aversion on savings behaviors. In particular, we show that risk aversion enhances precautionary savings, clarifying the link that exists between the notions of prudence and risk aversion.

Auteur(s)

Antoine Bommier, Arnold Chassagnon, François Le Grand

Revue
  • Journal of Economic Theory
Date de publication
  • 2012
Mots-clés JEL
D11 D81 D91
Pages
  • 1614-1641
Version
  • 1
Volume
  • 147