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Pension Demand and Utility: The Life Annuity Puzzle

Author

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  • Tomáš Cipra

    (Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University of Prague)

Abstract

This paper shows by means of the concept of utility that annuitization through life annui-ties or a pension can be an efficient instrument for the economic assurance of seniors. Various quantitative arguments are presented supporting this statement (e.g. annuity equivalent wealth [AEW] is calculated using Czech data). In conclusion, some practical arguments are mentioned regarding why the real demand on life annuities contradicts this result so that a so-called annuity puzzle arises in pension practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomáš Cipra, 2014. "Pension Demand and Utility: The Life Annuity Puzzle," Czech Journal of Economics and Finance (Finance a uver), Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, vol. 64(3), pages 213-232, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:fau:fauart:v:64:y:2014:i:3:p:213-232
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Mitchell, Olivia S. & Utkus, Stephen P. (ed.), 2004. "Pension Design and Structure: New Lessons from Behavioral Finance," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199273393.
    5. Ariel Rubinstein, 2003. ""Economics and Psychology"? The Case of Hyperbolic Discounting," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 44(4), pages 1207-1216, November.
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    7. Milevsky,Moshe A., 2006. "The Calculus of Retirement Income," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521842587, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    annuity equivalent wealth; annuity puzzle; consumption strategy; pension demand; pension utility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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