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Bidding in Multi-Unit Auctions under Limited Information

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  • Bernhard Kasberger
  • Kyle Woodward

Abstract

We study multi-unit auctions in which bidders have limited knowledge of opponent strategies and values. We characterize optimal prior-free bids; these bids minimize the maximal loss in expected utility resulting from uncertainty surrounding opponent behavior. Optimal bids are readily computable despite bidders having multi-dimensional private information, and in certain cases admit closed-form solutions. In the pay-as-bid auction the minimax-loss bid is unique; in the uniform-price auction the minimax-loss bid is unique if the bidder is allowed to determine the quantities for which they bid, as in many practical applications. We compare minimax-loss bids and auction outcomes across auction formats, and derive testable predictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernhard Kasberger & Kyle Woodward, 2021. "Bidding in Multi-Unit Auctions under Limited Information," Papers 2112.11320, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2023.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2112.11320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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