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On multivariate prudence

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  • Jouini, Elyès
  • Napp, Clotilde
  • Nocetti, Diego

Abstract

In this note we extend the theory of precautionary saving to the case of multivariate risk. We introduce a notion of multivariate prudence, related to a precautionary premium, and we propose a matrix-measure to capture the strength of the precautionary saving motive. We discuss the usefulness of this measure, in particular for comparing precautionary behavior among individuals. We also characterize the notion of multivariate downside risk aversion as a preference for disaggregating harms across outcomes of multivariate lotteries. We show the link between this notion and the notion of multivariate prudence, we propose a matrix-measure of its intensity, and we illustrate the usefulness of our results in a problem of social discounting.

Suggested Citation

  • Jouini, Elyès & Napp, Clotilde & Nocetti, Diego, 2013. "On multivariate prudence," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 148(3), pages 1255-1267.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:148:y:2013:i:3:p:1255-1267
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2012.10.007
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    Cited by:

    1. Christoph Heinzel, 2014. "Term structure of discount rates under multivariate s-ordered consumption growth," Working Papers SMART 14-01, INRAE UMR SMART.
    2. Eric André & Antoine Bommier & François Le Grand, 2022. "The impact of risk aversion and ambiguity aversion on annuity and saving choices," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 65(1), pages 33-56, August.
    3. Crainich, David & Eeckhoudt, Louis & Le Courtois, Olivier, 2017. "Health and portfolio choices: A diffidence approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 259(1), pages 273-279.
    4. Antoine Bommier & François Le Grand, 2019. "Risk Aversion and Precautionary Savings in Dynamic Settings," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 65(3), pages 1386-1397, March.
    5. Jouini, Elyès & Napp, Clotilde & Nocetti, Diego, 2013. "The marginal propensity to consume and multidimensional risk," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 119(2), pages 124-127.
    6. Crainich, David & Eeckhoudt, Louis & Courtois, Olivier Le, 2020. "Intensity of preferences for bivariate risk apportionment," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 153-160.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Precautionary saving; Multivariate risk; Prudence; Multivariate risk aversion; Downside risk aversion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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