This papfer deals with distributional free inference to test for positive quadrant dependence, i.e. for the probability that two variables are simultaneously small (or large) being at least as great as it would be were they dependent.

We analyse contracts which pay out a guaranteed minimum rate of return and a fraction of a positive excess rate, which is specified on the basis of a benchmark portfolio. These contracts are closely related to unit--linked life--insurance/savings plan products and can be considered as...

Some have argued that recent increases in credit risk transfer are desirable because they improve the diversification of risk. Others have suggested that they may be undesirable if they increase the risk of financial crises. Using a model with banking and insurance sectors, we show that credit...

This paper analyzes dynamic equilibrium risk sharing contracts between profit-maximizing intermediaries and a large pool of ex-ante identical agents that face idiosyncratic income uncertainty that makes them heterogeneous ex-post. In any given period, after having observed her income, the agent...

The paper provides novel insights on the effect of a firm's risk management objective on the optimal design of risk transfer instruments. I analyze the interrelation between the structure of the optimal insurance contract and the firm's objective to minimize the required equity it has to hold to...

Der Beitrag enthält eine anreiztheoretische Analyse der Versicherungssysteme, die zur Entschädigung von Kosten und Verlusten aus Tierseuchenausbrüchen in den EUMitgliedsländern eingerichtet sind. Es wird gezeigt, dass Kompensationszahlungen zur Erzielung effizienter Schadenverhütungsanreize...

Der Beitrag enthält eine anreiztheoretische Analyse der Versicherungssysteme, die zur Entschädigung von Kosten und Verlusten aus Tierseuchenausbrüchen in den EUMitgliedsländern eingerichtet sind. Es wird gezeigt, dass Kompensationszahlungen zur Erzielung effizienter Schadenverhütungsanreize...

Financial engineering offers the potential to significantly reduce the consumption fluctuations faced by individuals, households, and firms. Yet much of this potential remains unfulfilled. This paper studies the adoption of an innovative rainfall insurance product designed to compensate...

Der Beitrag enthält eine anreiztheoretische Analyse der Versicherungssysteme, die zur Entschädigung von Kosten und Verlusten aus Tierseuchenausbrüchen in den EU-Mitgliedsländern eingerichtet sind. Es wird gezeigt, dass Kompensationszahlungen zur Erzielung effizienter...

Natural catastrophes attract regularly the attention of media and have become a source of public concern. From a financial viewpoint, natural catastrophes represent idiosyncratic risks,diversifiable at the world level. But for reasons analyzed in this pap er reinsurance markets are unable to...