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Competition between market-making Intermediaries

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  • Simon Loertscher

Abstract

We introduce capacity constrained competition between market-making intermediaries in a model in which agents can choose between trading with intermediaries, joining a search market or remaining inactive. Recently, market-making by a monopolistic intermediary has been analyzed by Rust and Hall (2003) and Gehrig (1993). Market-makers set publicly observable ask and bid prices. Because market-making involves price setting, without further restrictions competition between market-making intermediaries is Bertrand-like and yields the Walrasian outcome, where the ask-bid spread is zero (Rust and Hall 2003, Gehrig 1993). However, positive ask-bid spreads and competition between market-makers can be observed in reality, e.g. in banking and in retailing. Following Kreps and Scheinkman (1983) and Boccard and Wauthy (2000), we therefore introduce physical capacity constraints. This allows for a gradual transition from monopolistic to perfectly competitive intermediation as the number of intermediaries increases. In particular, we show that given Cournot capacities, intermediaries will set Cournot bid and ask prices in the subsequent subgames, so that the equilibrium of the intermediated market coincides with the Walrasian equilibrium as the number of intermediaries becomes large

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Loertscher, 2004. "Competition between market-making Intermediaries," Econometric Society 2004 North American Summer Meetings 515, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:nasm04:515
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniel F. Spulber, 1996. "Market Microstructure and Intermediation," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 10(3), pages 135-152, Summer.
    2. repec:rus:hseeco:72158 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Daniel F. Spulber, 1996. "Market Making by Price-Setting Firms," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 63(4), pages 559-580.
    4. John Rust & George Hall, 2003. "Middlemen versus Market Makers: A Theory of Competitive Exchange," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 111(2), pages 353-403, April.
    5. Stahl, Dale O, II, 1988. "Bertrand Competition for Inputs and Walrasian Outcomes," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 78(1), pages 189-201, March.
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    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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