Abstract
In this paper, we deal with the basic two-period consumption–saving problem where the first- and second-period consumption utilities, \(v\) and \( u\), are assumed to be concave, respectively, as usually. We prove that for the rank-dependent utility model, prudence is fully characterized by the convexity of \(u^{\prime }\) and strong pessimism. The paper ends by showing that for a strong risk-averse RDU decision-maker, strict pessimism allows local weak prudence, whatever the sign of \(u^{\prime \prime \prime }\), whereas for a strong risk-averse EU decision-maker local weak prudence cannot be disentangled from prudence.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allais, M.: The general theory of random choices in relation to the invariant cardinal utility function and the specific probability function. In: Munier, B. (ed.) Risk, decision and rationality. Reidel, Dordrecht (1988)
Arrow, K.J.: The theory of risk aversion. In: Aspects of the Theory of Risk Bearing. Yrjoj. Saatio, Helsinki (1965)
Arrow, K.J.: Essays in the Theory of Risk-Bearing. North-Holland, Amsterdam (1971)
Bleichrodt, H., Eeckhoudt, L.: Saving under rank-dependent utility. Econ. Theory 25(2), 505–511 (2005)
Chateauneuf, A.: Comonotonicity axioms and RDEU theory for arbitrary consequences. J. Math. Econ. 32(1), 21–45 (1999)
Chateauneuf, A., Cohen, M.: Risk seeking with diminishing marginal utility in a non expected utility model. J. Risk Uncert. 9, 77–91 (1994)
Chew, S., Karni, E., Safra, Z.: Risk aversion in the theory of expected utility with rank dependent preferences. J. Econ. Theory 42, 370–381 (1987)
Denneberg, D.: Non-additive Measure and Integral. Theory and Decision Library. Kluwer, Dordrecht (1994)
Drèze, J., Modigliani, F.: Consumption decisions under uncertainty. J. Econ. Theory 5, 308–335 (1972)
Eeckhoudt, L., Gollier, C.: The impact of prudence on optimal prevention. Econ. Theory 26(4), 989–994 (2005)
Eichner, T., Wagener, A.: More on parametric characterizations of risk aversion and prudence. Econ. Theory 21(4), 895–900 (2003)
Gollier, C.: The Economics of Risk and Time. MIT Press, Cambridge (2001)
Kimball, M.S.: Precautionary saving in the small and in the large. Econometrica 58, 53–73 (1990)
Lajeri, F., Nielsen, L.T.: Parametric characterizations of risk aversion and prudence. Econ. Theory 15, 469–476 (2000)
Leland, H.E.: Saving and uncertainty: the precautionary demand for saving. Q. J. Econ. 82(3), 465–473 (1968)
Machina, M.J.: “Expected utility”. Analysis without the independence axiom. Econometrica 50, 277–323 (1982)
Machina, M.J.: Comparative statics and non-expected utility preferences. J. Econ. Theory 47, 393–405 (1989)
Pratt, J.: Risk aversion in the small and in the large. J. Behav. Organ. 3, 323–343 (1964)
Quiggin, J.: A theory of anticipated utility. J. Econ. Behav. Organ. 3, 323–343 (1982)
Quiggin, J.: Comparative static for rank-dependent expected utility theory. J. Risk Uncert. 4, 339–350 (1991)
Rothschild, M., Stiglitz, J.E.: Increasing risk. I. A definition. J. Econ. Theory 2, 225–243 (1970)
Sandmo, A.: The effect of uncertainty on saving decisions. Rev. Econ. Stud. 37, 353–360 (1970)
Wakker, P.: Separating marginal utility and risk aversion. Theory Decis. 36, 1–44 (1994)
Yaari, M.E.: The dual theory of choice under risk. Econometrica 55, 95–115 (1987)
Acknowledgments
The valuable detailed suggestions of an anonymous referee are gratefully acknowledged.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chateauneuf, A., Lakhnati, G. & Langlais, E. On the precautionary motive for savings and prudence in the rank-dependent utility framework. Econ Theory 61, 169–182 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00199-015-0883-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00199-015-0883-x