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On the clock of the combinatorial clock auction

Author

Listed:
  • Janssen, Maarten

    (Department of Economics, University of Vienna and National Research University Higher School of Economics Moscow and CEPR)

  • Kasberger, Bernhard

    (The Queen's College, University of Oxford)

Abstract

The Combinatorial Clock Auction (CCA) has frequently been used in recent spectrum auctions. It combines a dynamic clock phase and a one-off supplementary round. The winning allocation and the corresponding prices are determined by the VCG rules. These rules should encourage truthful bidding, whereas the clock phase is intended to reveal information. We inquire into the role of the clock when bidders have lexicographic preferences for raising rivals' costs. We show that in an efficient equilibrium the clock cannot fully reveal bidders' types. In the spirit of the ratchet effect, in the supplementary round competitors will extract surplus from strong bidders whose type is revealed. We also show that if there is substantial room for information revelation, that is, if the uncertainty about the final allocation is large, all equilibria of the CCA are inefficient. Qualitative features of our equilibria are in line with evidence concerning bidding behavior in some recent CCAs.

Suggested Citation

  • Janssen, Maarten & Kasberger, Bernhard, 2019. "On the clock of the combinatorial clock auction," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 14(4), November.
    • Handle: RePEc:the:publsh:3203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bernhard Kasberger & Alexander Teytelboym, 2022. "The Combinatorial Multi-Round Ascending Auction," Papers 2203.11783, arXiv.org, revised Feb 2024.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Combinatorial auctions; spectrum auctions; spiteful bidding; raising rival's cost; ratchet effect;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications

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