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Optimal Saving Rules for Loss-Averse Agents under Uncertainty

Author

Listed:
  • Arjen H. Siegmann

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

Most empirical studies assume only monotonic preferences for households. Behavioral research however providessubstantial evidence that preferences for wealth are measured relative to a reference point. In this paper weintroduce and solve a two-period consumption and savings model for a loss-averse agent who measures utilityfrom consumption relative to a benchmark level. The solution is given as a parametric decision rule with oneunknown parameter that depends on the distribution of the return on saving. We find non-linearity in the fractionof wealth saved, where the specific saving pattern depends on the sign of the real return on savings. The amount of saving is nondecreasing in initial wealth and the riskiness of the return distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Arjen H. Siegmann, 2001. "Optimal Saving Rules for Loss-Averse Agents under Uncertainty," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 01-079/4, Tinbergen Institute.
  • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20010079
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Marcela Ibanez & Sebastian O. Schneider, 2023. "Income Risk, Precautionary Saving, and Loss Aversion – An Empirical Test," Discussion Paper Series of the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Economics 2023_06, Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Economics.
    3. Horst Zank, 2007. "On the Paradigm of Loss Aversion," Economics Discussion Paper Series 0710, Economics, The University of Manchester.
    4. Horst Zank, 2010. "On probabilities and loss aversion," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 68(3), pages 243-261, March.
    5. Park Hyeon, 2016. "Loss Aversion and Consumption Plans with Stochastic Reference Points," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 16(1), pages 303-336, January.
    6. Sanjit Dhami & Narges Hajimoladarvish & Konstantinos Georgalos, 2023. "Precautionary Savings, Loss Aversion, and Risk: Theory and Evidence," CESifo Working Paper Series 10570, CESifo.
    7. Bonilla, Claudio A. & Fica, Diego, 2022. "Loss aversion and risky entrepreneurship," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment

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