Discrete-Time Optimization of Consumption and Investment Decisions Given Intolerance for a Decline in Standard of Living

41 Pages Posted: 19 Feb 2008

See all articles by Amit V. Bhandari

Amit V. Bhandari

IEMS, Northwestern University

John R. Birge

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Date Written: 2/18/08

Abstract

We extend Samuelson's (1969) discrete-time dynamic consumption and investment optimization problem to the case where the investor is intolerant of any decline in her standard of living. This constraint represents a strong form of habit formation such that the consumption rate is non-decreasing over time. To achieve this objective, the investor first guarantees a consumption perpetuity at the current consumption rate and then allocates the remaining wealth under a state-dependent, adjusted coefficient of relative risk aversion. We study the impact of the length of the time interval on the optimal consumption and investment policies. This effect has implications for investors considering investments in assets, such as hedge funds and private equity, that have restrictions on trading intervals.

Keywords: consumption-portfolio choice, habit formation, alternative investments, hedge funds, stochastic dynamic programming

JEL Classification: C61, E21, G11, G23, H30

Suggested Citation

Bhandari, Amit V. and Birge, John R., Discrete-Time Optimization of Consumption and Investment Decisions Given Intolerance for a Decline in Standard of Living (2/18/08). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1094988 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1094988

Amit V. Bhandari (Contact Author)

IEMS, Northwestern University ( email )

Evanston, IL 60208-3119
United States

John R. Birge

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States