Structure State contingent consumption(依情 形而定的消费) Preferences under uncertainty Attitudes toward risk State-contingent budget constraint Choice under uncertainty Diversification and risk spreading
Structure State contingent consumption (依情 形而定的消费) Preferences under uncertainty Attitudes toward risk State-contingent budget constraint Choice under uncertainty Diversification and risk spreading
Uncertainty is Pervasive What is uncertain in economic systems? tomorrow's prices future wealth future availability of commodities present and future actions of other people
Uncertainty is Pervasive What is uncertain in economic systems? – tomorrow’s prices – future wealth – future availability of commodities –present and future actions of other people
Uncertainty is Pervasive What are rational responses to uncertainty? buying insurance(health, life, auto a portfolio of contingent consumption goods
Uncertainty is Pervasive What are rational responses to uncertainty? –buying insurance (health, life, auto) – a portfolio of contingent consumption goods
States of Nature Possible states of nature: car accident(a) “ no car accident”(na) Accident occurs with probability n does not with probability Tna j a na Accident causes a loss of sl
States of Nature Possible states of Nature: – “car accident” (a) – “no car accident” (na). Accident occurs with probability a , does not with probability na ; a + na = 1. Accident causes a loss of $L
Contingencies A contract implemented only when a particular state of Nature occurs is state-contingent E.g. the insurer pays only if there is an accident
Contingencies A contract implemented only when a particular state of Nature occurs is state-contingent. E.g. the insurer pays only if there is an accident
Contingencies A state-contingent consumption plan is implemented only when a particular state of Nature occurs. E.g. take a vacation only if there is no accident
Contingencies A state-contingent consumption plan is implemented only when a particular state of Nature occurs. E.g. take a vacation only if there is no accident
Preferences Under Uncertainty 2 states of nature At probability Ta consumption is a At probability Tna, consumption is na +兀=1 Utility is U(ca, Cna, Tay Tna)
Preferences Under Uncertainty 2 states of nature: –At probability a , consumption is ca –At probability na , consumption is cna – a + na = 1. Utility is U(ca , cna, a , na)
Preferences Under Uncertainty Expected utility function Von-Neuman-Morgenstern utility function EU=U(C)+IU(Cn) Positive affine transformation vu=au+b, a>0
Preferences Under Uncertainty EU U(c ) U(c ) = + a na a na Expected utility function Von-Neuman-Morgenstern utility function Positive affine transformation v(u)=au+b, a>0