A general principal-agent problem with two possible outputs, high or low is considered. The agent's utility function is additively separable in wealth and effort. It is shown that under the optimal contract, the agent should pay a penalty fee to the principal if the low output occurs.

We consider a static portfolio system that satisfies adding-up constraints and Tobin's gross substitution theorem. We show the relationship of the two conditions to the weak dominant diagonal property of the matrix of interest rate elasticities. This enables us to investigate effects of...

A standard winner-takes-all rent-seeking contest with a principal-agent relationship is extended. One of the two players offers a contract to an agent to act as a delegate on his behalf. The wage offered to the agent is deliberately chosen. The equilibrium of the extended contest is characterized.