This paper solves the search for interior solutions to optimization problems using stochastic variables. This is done by way of some new properties of distribution functions with increasing failure rates as characterized in Barlow and Proschan (1965). Building upon Lariviere (2006), we show that...

The selection of optimal portfolios is the central problem of financial investment decisions. Mathematically speaking, portfolio selection refers to the formulation of an objective function that determines the weights of the portfolio invested in each asset as to maximize return and minimize...

This paper examines some of the consequences for economic theory of the replacement of binary personal preferences by non-binary personal preferences in an Arrow-Debreu society as in Debreu (1959), and reaches the conclusion that there is both much damage to existing theory and greater...

Rating systems measuring quality of products and services (i.e., the state of the world) are widely used to solve the asymmetric information problem in markets. Decision makers typically make binary decisions such as buy/hold/sell based on aggregated individuals' opinions presented in the form...

The paper uses the "subjective well-being as input" framework to examine how life satisfaction and other life circumstances might affect the consideration of price stability. Results show that people who experience negative or adverse situations are more likely to attend to negative matters like...