Characterization of optimal plans for stochastic dynamic programs

This paper provides general techniques for the characterization of optimal plans resulting from stochastic dynamic programming. We show that under standard assumptions the optimal plans in both finite and infinite horizon problems can be obtained by an application of the Implicit Function Theorem to first order conditions. Further, we show that under certain checkable conditions, optimal plans and value functions are p-times differentiable for any integer p ? 0. Finally, we apply our technique to obtain a C^p plan and value function in a one sector infinite horizon growth problem under uncertainty.     

Towards networked R&D management: the R&D approach of Sonera Corporation as an example

In this paper the authors delineate the challenges of a dynamic environment to R&D management. The authors build on most recent ideas, such as the dynamic capability view of the firm, as strategic foundation for modern R&D management. Collaboration is emphasized as a meta-capability for innovation. These ideas are merged into a 'Networked R&D Management' approach that emphasizes internal and external collaboration networks as critical for companies operating in a dynamic business environment. The approach is illustrated with ICT industry as an example. The implementation of Networked R&D Management is reflected in the illustrative case discussion of R&D management of Sonera Corporation.     

Designing Markets for Developing Countries

This paper highlights what we know from market microstructure and how this should guide the design of equity markets in developing counties. I first consider the basic economic functions of capital markets and of exchanges. I develop more fully the importance of price discovery and liquidity, and how these are affected by the market environment and by characteristics of firms themselves. I then consider the particular implications of this for capital markets in emerging countries. Research has suggested various links between market designs and performance, and I review the implications of these for exchange structure. I conclude with some thoughts on how best to structure markets for newly listing companies.     

Liquidity and valuation in an uncertain world

During the 2007–2009 financial crisis there was little or no trading in a variety of financial assets, even though bid and ask prices existed for many of these assets. We develop a model in which this illiquidity arises from uncertainty, and we argue that this new form of illiquidity makes bid and ask prices unsuitable as metrics for establishing “fair value” for these assets. We show how the extreme uncertainty that traders face can be characterized by incomplete preferences over portfolios, and we use Bewley's (2002) model of decision making under uncertainty to derive equilibrium quotes and the nonexistence of trading at these quotes. We then suggest alternatives for valuing assets in illiquid markets.     

Sources of Mistrust: An Experimental Case Study of a Central Asian Water Conflict

With the disintegration of the USSR a conflict arose between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan over the transboundary Syr Darya river. Upstream Kyrgyzstan controls the Toktogul reservoir which generates hydropower demanded mainly in winter for heating. Downstream Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan need irrigation water in summer, primarily to grow an export crop (cotton). Regional agreements obliging Kyrgyzstan to higher summer discharges in exchange for fossil fuel transfers from downstream riparians in winter have been unsuccessful, due to lack of trust between the parties. Striving for self-sufficiency in irrigation water, Uzbekistan initiated new reservoir construction. This paper examines their economic impact. We report a laboratory experiment modelling the Syr Darya scenario as a multi-round, three-player trust game with non-binding contracts. Payoff schemes are estimated using real-life data. While basinwide efficiency maximisation requires regional cooperation, our results demonstrate that cooperation in the laboratory is hard to achieve. Uzbek reservoirs improve cooperation only weakly and their positive impact is limited to low-water years.     

Managing mutual funds or managing expense ratios? Evidence from the Greek fund industry

This study examines the expense ratio policy of Greek equity funds operating in a small emerging market with an oligopolistic, bank-dominated financial system. Constructing a unique dataset of non-publicly available expense ratios charged by these funds, we examine the impact these expenses have on funds’ performance and flows. The main conclusion is that funds’ performance is negatively related to their expenses, while investors’ flows are not directly affected by expenses. Furthermore, the funds affiliated with one of the three dominant domestic banking groups achieve higher performance and attract higher net flows in comparison to their competitors.     

Risk-free bond prices in incomplete markets with recursive multiple-prior utilities

We consider an exchange economy under uncertainty, in which agents' utility functions may be recursive and the expected utility calculation may be based on multiple priors. The utility functions representing risk attitudes and intertemporal substitution are negative exponential functions. These utility functions and the access to asset markets may arbitrarily differ across agents. We prove that the risk-free bond price goes down (and the interest rate goes up) monotonically as the market incompleteness diminishes. We also find the range of equilibrium bond prices that depends on the primitives of the economy but not on the structures of asset markets.     

LIFTING QUADRATIC TERM STRUCTURE MODELS TO INFINITE DIMENSION

We introduce an infinite dimensional generalization of quadratic term structure models of interest rates, aiming that the lift will give us a deeper understanding of the classical models. We show that it preserves some of the favorable properties of the classical quadratic models.