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Approximation bias in estimating risk aversion

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Author Info
Joseph G. Eisenhauer () (Canisius College)
Abstract

The asymmetric approximation originally employed by Pratt (1964) to construct reduced-form measures of risk aversion creates a downward bias when used for empirical estimation. Calculations based on recent survey data indicate that estimates from a symmetric approximation are generally three times larger than their asymmetric counterparts, a finding that may help to explain the equity premium puzzle.

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Publisher Info
Article provided by Economics Bulletin in its journal Economics Bulletin.

Volume (Year): 4 (2003)
Issue (Month): 38 ()
Pages: 1-10
Download reference. The following formats are available: HTML (with abstract), plain text (with abstract), BibTeX, RIS (EndNote, RefMan, ProCite), ReDIF
Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:v:4:y:2003:i:38:p:1-10

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Related research
Keywords: approximation bias; risk aversion; Taylor series;

Find related papers by JEL classification:
D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
G0 - Financial Economics - - General

References listed on IDEAS
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    Other versions:
  2. Christian Gollier, 2004. "The Economics of Risk and Time," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262572249, December.
  3. Joseph G. Eisenhauer & Luigi Ventura, 2003. "Survey measures of risk aversion and prudence," Applied Economics, Taylor and Francis Journals, vol. 35(13), pages 1477-1484, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  6. Mehra, Rajnish & Prescott, Edward C., 1985. "The equity premium: A puzzle," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 145-161, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. Kimball, Miles S, 1990. "Precautionary Saving in the Small and in the Large," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 58(1), pages 53-73, January. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  8. Hlawitschka, Walter, 1994. "The Empirical Nature of Taylor-Series Approximations to Expected Utility," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 84(3), pages 713-19, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  9. Blake, David, 1996. "Efficiency, Risk Aversion and Portfolio Insurance: An Analysis of Financial Asset Portfolios Held by Investors in the United Kingdom," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 106(438), pages 1175-92, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  10. Guiso, Luigi & Paiella, Monica, 2001. "Risk Aversion, Wealth and Background Risk," CEPR Discussion Papers 2728, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  11. Sydney Ludvigson & Christina H. Paxson, 2001. "Approximation Bias In Linearized Euler Equations," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 83(2), pages 242-256, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  12. Warneryd, Karl-Erik, 1996. "Risk attitudes and risky behavior," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 17(6), pages 749-770, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  13. Donkers, B. & Melenberg, B. & Soest, A.van, 1999. "Estimating risk attitudes using lotteries : a large sample approach," Discussion Paper 12, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research. [Downloadable!]
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  14. Dynan, Karen E, 1993. "How Prudent Are Consumers?," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 101(6), pages 1104-13, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  15. Kroll, Yoram & Levy, Haim & Markowitz, Harry M, 1984. " Mean-Variance versus Direct Utility Maximization," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 39(1), pages 47-61, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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