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

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Theory
Year: 2012
Volume: 147
Issue: 4
Pages: 1614-1641

Authors (3)

Bommier, Antoine (Eidgenössische Technische Hoch...) Chassagnon, Arnold (not in RePEc) Le Grand, François (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

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.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jetheo:v:147:y:2012:i:4:p:1614-1641
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24