Optimal stopping under ambiguity

Arbeitspapier

We consider optimal stopping problems for ambiguity averse decision makers with multiple priors. In general, backward induction fails. If, however, the class of priors is time-consistent, we establish a generalization of the classical theory of optimal stopping. To this end, we develop first steps of a martingale theory for multiple priors. We define minimax (super)martingales, provide a Doob-Meyer decomposition, and characterize minimax martingales. This allows us to extend the standard backward induction procedure to ambiguous, time-consistent preferences. The value function is the smallest process that is a minimax supermartingale and dominates the payoff process. It is optimal to stop when the current payoff is equal to the value function. Moving on, we study the infinite horizon case. We show that the value process satisfies the same backward recursion (Bellman equation) as in the finite horizon case. The finite horizon solutions converge to the infinite horizon solution. Finally, we characterize completely the set of time-consistent multiple priors in the binomial tree. We solve two classes of examples: the so-called independent and indistinguishable case (the parking problem) and the case of American Options (Cox-Ross-Rubinstein model).

Angaben zum Objekt

• Sprache: Englisch

Verweise und Beziehungen

• Erschienen in: Series: Working Papers ; No. 390

Klassifikation und Themen

• Klassifikation: Wirtschaft ; Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty ; Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis ; Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
• Thema: Optimal stopping ; Ambiguity ; Uncertainty aversion ; Entscheidung bei Unsicherheit ; Suchtheorie ; Risikoaversion ; Optionspreistheorie ; Theorie

Beteiligte, Orts- und Zeitangaben

• Ereignis: Geistige Schöpfung
• (wer): Riedel, Frank
• Ereignis: Veröffentlichung
• (wer): Bielefeld University, Institute of Mathematical Economics (IMW)
• (wo): Bielefeld
• (wann): 2007

Weitere Informationen

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/43837
• URN: urn:nbn:de:hbz:361-10784
• Letzte Aktualisierung: 10.03.2025, 11:42 MEZ