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The Continuous Logit Dynamic and Price Dispersion

Author

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  • Lahkar, Ratul

    (Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University)

  • Riedel, Frank

    (Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University)

Abstract

We define the logit dynamic for games with continuous strategy spaces and establish its fundamental properties , i.e. the existence, uniqueness and continuity of solutions. We apply the dynamic to the analysis of the Burdett and Judd (1983) model of price dispersion. Our objective is to assess the stability of the logit equilibrium corresponding to the unique Nash equilibrium of this model. Although a direct analysis of local stability is difficult due to technical difficulties, an appeal to finite approximation techniques suggest that the logit equilibrium is unstable. Price dispersion, instead of being an equilibrium phenomenon, is a cyclical phenomenon. We also establish a result on the Lyapunov stability of logit equilibria in negative definite games.

Suggested Citation

  • Lahkar, Ratul & Riedel, Frank, 2016. "The Continuous Logit Dynamic and Price Dispersion," Center for Mathematical Economics Working Papers 521, Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University.
    • Handle: RePEc:bie:wpaper:521
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    File URL: https://pub.uni-bielefeld.de/download/2901645/2902676
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    12. Ratul, Lahkar, 2011. "The dynamic instability of dispersed price equilibria," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 146(5), pages 1796-1827, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hoffmann, Eric, 2016. "On the learning and stability of mixed strategy Nash equilibria in games of strategic substitutes," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 349-362.
    2. Perkins, S. & Leslie, D.S., 2014. "Stochastic fictitious play with continuous action sets," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 179-213.

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    Keywords

    Price dispersion; Evolutionary game theory; Logit dynamic;
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