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Precautionary Bidding in Auctions

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  • White, Lucy
  • Esö, Péter

Abstract

We analyse bidding behaviour in auctions when risk-averse buyers bid for a good whose value is risky. We show that when risk in the valuations increases, DARA bidders will reduce their bids by more than the appropriate increase in the risk premium. Ceteris paribus, buyers will be better off bidding for a more risky object in first-price, second-price, and English auctions with affiliated common (interdependent) values. This ?precautionary bidding? effect arises because the expected marginal utility of income increases with risk, so buyers are reluctant to bid so highly. We also show that precautionary bidding behaviour can make DARA bidders prefer to bid in a common values setting than a private values one when a risk-neutral or CARA bidder would be indifferent. Thus the potential for a ?winners curse? can be a blessing for rational DARA bidders.

Suggested Citation

  • White, Lucy & Esö, Péter, 2003. "Precautionary Bidding in Auctions," CEPR Discussion Papers 3975, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
  • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:3975
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk; Risk-aversion; Prudence; First-price auctions; Second-price auctions; English auctions; Winner's curse;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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