This paper re-considers the comparison of Bertrand and Cournot equilibria in a differentiatedduopoly with linear demand and cost functions. It focuses on the case of substitutegoods, and allows for cost asymmetries between firms. The main finding is that, when thedegree of cost asymmetry is...

A switch from a Bismarckian (BIS) earnings-related to a Beveridgean (BEV) flat ratepay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension scheme will raise the variance of personal replacementratios and, hence, the variance of individual interest-saving elasticities. A monopolisticfinancial sector can then make greater...

This paper considers the extent to which expenditure by contestants inimperfectly discriminating rent-seeking contests dissipates all or only partof the rent. In particular, we investigate strategic effects, technologicaleffects and asymmetry under an assumption of diminishing returns to...