Precautionary risk-reduction and saving decisions: Two sides of the same coin?

Abstract

We provide new results about the comparative static effects of income risk and interest rate risk on optimal risk-reduction and saving decisions. We combine arguments from the risk apportionment literature with monotone comparative statics. Risk reduction and saving are Edgeworth-Pareto substitutes for (mixed) risk averters and Edgeworth-Pareto complements for (mixed) risk lovers. For changes in income risk, risk reduction and saving are Nth-degree risk complements for risk lovers. For changes in interest rate risk, risk reduction and saving are Nth-degree risk substitutes for risk averters. The individual's risk attitude and the source of risk thus co-determine the effects of risk changes on optimal. We also discuss several extensions including multiple loss states, higher-order risk reduction, stochastic dominance, non-separable utility, and inflation risk.