We consider a portfolio-optimization problem, based on the maximization of expected utility for a risk-averse investor. After introducing and comparing different solution approaches, namely, Merton’s method, the martingale method and Pliska’s method, for an unconstrained setting,
we introduce the concept of auxiliary markets, based on the work of Cvitanic and Karatzas in 1992. This enables us to deal with situations, where our portfolio process is constrained to only take values within a, possibly random and time-dependent, convex set. This approach gives rise to five distinct equivalent optimality conditions for finding an optimal portfolio process in this constrained setting. One of these conditions leads to a dual solution approach to the portfolio optimization problem, which
we finally link back to Pliska’s method. All solution methods are illustrated on the example of power-utility functions.
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We consider a portfolio-optimization problem, based on the maximization of expected utility for a risk-averse investor. After introducing and comparing different solution approaches, namely, Merton’s method, the martingale method and Pliska’s method, for an unconstrained setting,
we introduce the concept of auxiliary markets, based on the work of Cvitanic and Karatzas in 1992. This enables us to deal with situations, where our portfolio process is constrained to only take values within a, possi...
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