The discrete separation theorem and price adjustment directions in markets with heterogeneous commodities

Abstract

The separation theorem in discrete convex analysis states that two disjoint discrete convex sets can be separated by a hyperplane with a 0–1 normal vector. We apply this theorem to markets with heterogeneous commodities and uncover the mathematical structure behind price adjustment processes. When p is not an equilibrium price vector, i.e., when aggregate demand and aggregate supply are disjoint, the separation theorem indicates the existence of overdemanded/underdemanded items. This observation yields a generalization of Hall’s (1935) theorem and a characterization of equilibrium price vectors by Gul and Stacchetti (2000). Building on this characterization, we show that adjusting the prices of overdemanded/underdemanded items corresponds to Ausbel’s (2006) auction. We further extend our approach to markets with continuous commodities and uncover a striking connection between auctions and classical taˆtonnement processes.