Problem 4: Recall the following portfolio allocation problem: an individual with initial wealth wo has to choose an allocation between a safe asset (with a zero rate of return) and a risky asset with a random rate of return = [−1,1], where E[6] > 0. If the individual invests x dollars in the risky asset, then final wealth is (wo-x) + x (1 + d) = w₁ +xd. The individual chooses x to maximize expected utility denoted by E[u(w₁ + xd)]. 1. Suppose the Bernoulli utility function is u(w) solute risk aversion is a constant. dwo ew. Show that ab- 2. Let x*(wo) denote the optimal amount of investment in the risky asset. Show that for the utility function of Part a., da = 0, i.e. the amount of investment in the risky asset is independent of initial wealth. Explain this result. 3. Now suppose that the utility function is u (w) = aw – ½bw², where a, b > 0. The parameters a and b are such that marginal utility of wealth is positive for all w. What can we say about in this case? Explain your result.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
Problem 4: Recall the following portfolio allocation problem: an individual
with initial wealth wo has to choose an allocation between a safe asset (with a
zero rate of return) and a risky asset with a random rate of return & € [−1, 1],
where E[8] > 0. If the individual invests & dollars in the risky asset, then final
wealth is (wo-x)+x(1+5) = w₁ +x6. The individual chooses to maximize
expected utility denoted by E[u(wo +xd)].
1. Suppose the Bernoulli utility function is u(w)
solute risk aversion is a constant.
= -e. Show that ab-
2. Let x* (wo) denote the optimal amount of investment in the risky asset.
Show that for the utility function of Part a., da = 0, i.e. the amount of
investment in the risky asset is independent of initial wealth. Explain this
result.
dwo
3. Now suppose that the utility function is u (w) = aw - bw², where a, b > 0.
The parameters a and b are such that marginal utility of wealth is positive
for all w. What can we say about in this case? Explain your result.
Transcribed Image Text:Problem 4: Recall the following portfolio allocation problem: an individual with initial wealth wo has to choose an allocation between a safe asset (with a zero rate of return) and a risky asset with a random rate of return & € [−1, 1], where E[8] > 0. If the individual invests & dollars in the risky asset, then final wealth is (wo-x)+x(1+5) = w₁ +x6. The individual chooses to maximize expected utility denoted by E[u(wo +xd)]. 1. Suppose the Bernoulli utility function is u(w) solute risk aversion is a constant. = -e. Show that ab- 2. Let x* (wo) denote the optimal amount of investment in the risky asset. Show that for the utility function of Part a., da = 0, i.e. the amount of investment in the risky asset is independent of initial wealth. Explain this result. dwo 3. Now suppose that the utility function is u (w) = aw - bw², where a, b > 0. The parameters a and b are such that marginal utility of wealth is positive for all w. What can we say about in this case? Explain your result.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 5 steps with 5 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Risk Aversion
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education