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Bertrand versus Cournot with Convex Variable Costs

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  • F. Delbono
  • L. Lambertini

Abstract

Within a simple model of homogeneous oligopoly, we show that the traditional ranking between Bertrand and Cournot equilibria may be reversed. For price setting entails a continuum of price equilibria under convex variable costs, departure from marginal cost pricing may be observed. As a consequence, Bertrand-Nash equilibrium profi?ts (welfare) may be higher (lower) than Cournot-Nash ones. The reversal of the standard rankings occurs when pricing strategies mimic collusive behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • F. Delbono & L. Lambertini, 2015. "Bertrand versus Cournot with Convex Variable Costs," Working Papers wp994, Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Universita' di Bologna.
    • Handle: RePEc:bol:bodewp:wp994
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Okuguchi, Koji, 1987. "Equilibrium prices in the Bertrand and Cournot oligopolies," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 128-139, June.
    2. Giuseppe Francesco Gori & Luca Lambertini & Alessandro Tampieri, 2014. "Trade costs, FDI incentives, and the intensity of price competition," International Journal of Economic Theory, The International Society for Economic Theory, vol. 10(4), pages 371-385, December.
    3. Dastidar, Krishnendu Ghosh, 1997. "Comparing Cournot and Bertrand in a Homogeneous Product Market," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 205-212, July.
    4. Piercarlo Zanchettin, 2006. "Differentiated Duopoly with Asymmetric Costs," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(4), pages 999-1015, December.
    5. Vives, Xavier, 1985. "On the efficiency of Bertrand and Cournot equilibria with product differentation," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 166-175, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Flavio Delbono & Gemma Dipoppa & Luca Lambertini & Carlo Reggiani, 2017. "A Single Espresso, Please! Rationalizing Espresso Price Dispersion Across Italian Cities," Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 465-478, December.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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