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selmabeyaz
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Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:47 am

utility functions???

February 24th, 2010, 7:29 pm

Why people always try to maximize utility function of the terminal wealth in portfolio theory or gamble models? Is not it possible to maximize just terminal wealth. Why we need utility functions? I cannot find articles or books in which the aim is to maximize just terminal wealth.
 
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DavidJN
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Joined: July 14th, 2002, 3:00 am

utility functions???

February 24th, 2010, 7:40 pm

Because terminal wealth maximization is inconsistent with diminishing marginal utility of wealth (and thus inconsistent with risk aversion) and can lead to pathological behavior. Read up on Daniel Bernoulli's ancient solution to the St. Petersburg Paradox for details.
 
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selmabeyaz
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Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:47 am

utility functions???

February 24th, 2010, 8:02 pm

Thank you very much for your help. I have a research project about the application of dynamic programming in portfolio optimization. I do not know much about portfolio optimization so I really need help. It would be great if you have any other suggestions for me.