This paper reexamines a recent contribution to the theory of wealth accumulation under income uncertainty by Ricardo Caballero in this Review. First we develop a more general model which generates a richer variety of results and this enables us to place the role of income uncertainty into a more...

Several models of economic behavior currently compete for an explanation of individual wealth accumulation and savings patterns. In this paper we focus in particular upon the role of income uncertainty, and the role played by a retirement period, during which time expected earnings are zero. We...

Several models of economic behavior currently compete for an explanation of individual wealth accumulation and savings patterns. In this paper we focus in particular upon the role of income uncertainty, and the role played by a retirement period, during which time expected earnings are zero. We...

It is well known that an uncertain income stream will induce individuals to save if they are forward looking. In this paper we investigate the consequences of such saving upon the distribution of wealth among households. The inquiry is motivated by the fact that both the dispersion of the U.S....