Microeconomics, Microeconomics

Assignment Help:
Consider the following insurance market. There are two states of the world, B and G, and two types of consumers, H and L, who have probabilities pH =0.5 and pL =0.25 (high and low risk) respectively of being in state B. They have common endowment e=(eG,eB) = (£900, £100). The individuals have expected utility preferences over state-contingent consumptions c=(cG,cB), with common utility function u(ci)=ln(ci), where i=B,G. Insurance firms are risk-neutral profit maximisers and offer contracts in exchange for the individuals’ endowments.

Suppose the market is competitive.

a) Outline the definition of a competitive equilibrium of this market and explain why every contract, offered by every firm, must earn zero profit in equilibrium. [7 marks]

b) Suppose the information concerning individuals’ types is symmetric, but void. It is commonly known, however, that the proportion of low risk consumers is 0.4. Derive the equilibrium set of contracts. [5 marks]

c) Find the equilibrium set of contracts when information is symmetric and perfect. [5 marks]

Now suppose that information is asymmetric; individuals know their own type but insurance firms cannot distinguish between types. (Note: there does exist an equilibrium set of contracts for this market. You may make use of this fact without proving it).

d) Explain why it must be that, if {cH,cL} is the equilibrium set of contracts, then
cH ? cL. [4 marks]

e) Explain and derive the equilibrium contract offered to high risk individuals. [3 marks]

f) Explain and derive the equilibrium contract offered to low risk individuals. [9 marks]

Related Discussions:- Microeconomics

Microeconomic theory, Homer consumes only donuts and beer. When he consumes...

Homer consumes only donuts and beer. When he consumes less than 10 beers, Homer would gladly drink one more. After drinking 10 beers, Homer is so drunk that he does not notice any

Substitution effect, Substitution Effect -  The  substitution effect is...

Substitution Effect -  The  substitution effect is change in an item's consumption associated with the change in the price of the item, level of utility held constant. -  Wh

When is tax to society cause a deadweight loss, When is tax to society caus...

When is tax to society cause a deadweight loss? Applying Consumer and Producer Surplus: The Efficiency Costs of a Tax A tax causes a deadweight loss to society, since les

Derive a demand function, Zac consumes only pizza and chianti. He consumes ...

Zac consumes only pizza and chianti. He consumes these goods in fixed proportions: 2 slices of pizza for one glass of chianti. His income is $100 per week. a. Derive demand func

Budget Line, if coast of good A fall by Rs.1 & coast of good B increases by...

if coast of good A fall by Rs.1 & coast of good B increases by 1 Rs. what will be the effect on budget line

Effects on factor prices, Assuming the Heckscher-Ohlin model is true. Suppo...

Assuming the Heckscher-Ohlin model is true. Suppose the Cuba and Russia sign a free trade agreement. Furthermore, assume the Cuba and Russia only produce cigars and vodka. Russia h

Supply and demand shifter, What happens to the market for cchicken wings if...

What happens to the market for cchicken wings if the price of beer increases?

Fiscal policy, 3. Which of the following would not be an expansionary fisca...

3. Which of the following would not be an expansionary fiscal policy? a.Increased welfare payments to the poor b.Decreases in federal taxes on corporations c.A balanced budget d.I

Health care, Suppose that doctors shift away from a fee-per-visit system an...

Suppose that doctors shift away from a fee-per-visit system and are instead paid set annual salaries. What effect will this have on the supply and demand situation for the health

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd