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Information and Inequality

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  • Lei, Xiaowen

Abstract

This paper studies wealth inequality in a Blanchard/Yaari model with idiosyncratic investment returns. Its key innovation is to assume that individuals can buy information. Information reduces uncertainty about the unknown mean investment return. Reduced estimation risk encourages investment in higher yielding risky assets. As a result, endogenous information acquisition amplifies wealth inequality. Wealthy individuals buy more information, which leads them to invest a higher share of their wealth in higher yielding assets, which then makes them even wealthier. The model's empirical implications are studied using Monte Carlo simulations and perturbation approximations. An empirically plausible decrease in information costs can explain about two-thirds of the observed increase in the top 1% wealth share.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei, Xiaowen, 2019. "Information and Inequality," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:184:y:2019:i:c:s002205311830317x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2019.08.007
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    3. Ma, Guiyuan & Siu, Chi Chung & Zhu, Song-Ping, 2022. "Portfolio choice with return predictability and small trading frictions," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    4. Alistair Macaulay, 2022. "Heterogeneous Information, Subjective Model Beliefs, and the Time-Varying Transmission of Shocks," CESifo Working Paper Series 9733, CESifo.
    5. Andreas Fagereng & Luigi Guiso & Martin B. Holm & Luigi Pistaferri, 2020. "K-Returns to Education," EIEF Working Papers Series 2002, Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance (EIEF), revised Jan 2020.
    6. Yin, Penghui, 2021. "Optimal attention and heterogeneous precautionary saving behavior," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    7. Macaulay, Alistair, 2021. "The attention trap: Rational inattention, inequality, and fiscal policy," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Information; Learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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