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Pension Demand and Utility: The Life Annuity Puzzle

Author

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  • Tomáš Cipra

    (Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University of Prague)

Abstract

This paper shows by means of the concept of utility that annuitization through life annui-ties or a pension can be an efficient instrument for the economic assurance of seniors. Various quantitative arguments are presented supporting this statement (e.g. annuity equivalent wealth [AEW] is calculated using Czech data). In conclusion, some practical arguments are mentioned regarding why the real demand on life annuities contradicts this result so that a so-called annuity puzzle arises in pension practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomáš Cipra, 2014. "Pension Demand and Utility: The Life Annuity Puzzle," Czech Journal of Economics and Finance (Finance a uver), Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, vol. 64(3), pages 213-232, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:fau:fauart:v:64:y:2014:i:3:p:213-232
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Milevsky,Moshe A., 2006. "The Calculus of Retirement Income," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521842587, September.
    5. George-Marios Angeletos & David Laibson & Andrea Repetto & Jeremy Tobacman & Stephen Weinberg, 2001. "The Hyberbolic Consumption Model: Calibration, Simulation, and Empirical Evaluation," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 47-68, Summer.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    annuity equivalent wealth; annuity puzzle; consumption strategy; pension demand; pension utility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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