Intra-Day Dynamics in Sequential Auctions: Theory and Estimation

A theoretical model of sequential first-price auctions where bidders are risk-averse and values are affiliated is developed. For constant risk-aversion utility functions and a particular specification of affiliation, closed-form solutions for the symmetric equilibrium of a sequence of k first-price auctions are obtained. The model is able to generate complex intra-day dynamics, in particular inverse U-shape series of winning bids that we have in our data set of eggplants auctions.