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Risk aversion under preference uncertainty

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  • Kräussl, Roman
  • Lucas, André
  • Siegmann, Arjen

Abstract

We show that if an agent is uncertain about the precise form of his utility function, his actual relative risk aversion may depend on wealth even if he knows his utility function lies in the class of constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) utility functions. We illustrate the consequences of this result for asset allocation: poor agents that are uncertain about their risk aversion parameter invest less in risky assets than wealthy investors with identical risk aversion uncertainty.

Suggested Citation

  • Kräussl, Roman & Lucas, André & Siegmann, Arjen, 2010. "Risk aversion under preference uncertainty," CFS Working Paper Series 2010/24, Center for Financial Studies (CFS).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cfswop:201024
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sascha Desmettre & Mogens Steffensen, 2023. "Equilibrium investment with random risk aversion," Mathematical Finance, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 946-975, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk Aversion; Preference Uncertainty; Risk-taking; Asset Allocation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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