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A Knightian Irreversible Investment Problem

Author

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  • Ferrari, Giorgio

    (Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University)

  • Li, Hanwu

    (Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University)

  • Riedel, Frank

    (Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University)

Abstract

In this paper, we study an irreversible investment problem under Knightian uncertainty. In a general framework, in which Knightian uncertainty is modeled through a set of multiple priors, we prove existence and uniqueness of the optimal investment plan, and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality. This allows us to construct the optimal policy in terms of the solution to a stochastic backward equation under the worst- case scenario. In a time-homogeneous setting { where risk is driven by a geometric Brownian motion and Knightian uncertainty is realized through a so-called "\$\kappa$ --ignorance" - we are able to provide the explicit form of the optimal irreversible investment plan.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferrari, Giorgio & Li, Hanwu & Riedel, Frank, 2020. "A Knightian Irreversible Investment Problem," Center for Mathematical Economics Working Papers 634, Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University.
  • Handle: RePEc:bie:wpaper:634
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ferrari, Giorgio & Salminen, Paavo, 2016. "Irreversible Investment under Lévy Uncertainty: an Equation for the Optimal Boundary," Center for Mathematical Economics Working Papers 530, Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University.
    2. Frank Riedel & Xia Su, 2011. "On irreversible investment," Finance and Stochastics, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 607-633, December.
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    5. Tiziano De Angelis & Salvatore Federico & Giorgio Ferrari, 2017. "Optimal Boundary Surface for Irreversible Investment with Stochastic Costs," Mathematics of Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 42(4), pages 1135-1161, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ferrari, Giorgio & Li, Hanwu & Riedel, Frank, 2020. "Optimal Consumption with Intertemporal Substitution under Knightian Uncertainty," Center for Mathematical Economics Working Papers 641, Center for Mathematical Economics, Bielefeld University.

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