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Explaining the characteristics of the power (CRRA) utility family

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  • Peter P. Wakker

Abstract

The power family, also known as the family of constant relative risk aversion (CRRA), is the most widely used parametric family for fitting utility functions to data. Its characteristics have, however, been little understood, and have led to numerous misunderstandings. This paper explains these characteristics in a manner accessible to a wide audience. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter P. Wakker, 2008. "Explaining the characteristics of the power (CRRA) utility family," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 17(12), pages 1329-1344, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:17:y:2008:i:12:p:1329-1344
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.1331
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