Modelling Stochastic Relative Preferences

Stochastic relative preferences are prevalent in the literature, but it appears that modeling them is not trivial. This paper establishes that common stochastic specifications alter average relative preferences, which could induce spurious effects. A simple solution is presented that provides an unbiased specification that parameterizes pure white noise shocks to relative preferences. The importance of the results is illustrated by some instructive examples from consumer choice, monetary policy and micro- founded business cycle models.