Benchmark-driven investment for DC pension plans

Antoon Pelsser, Li Yang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We investigate whether a benchmark and non-constant risk aversion affect the probability density distribution of optimal wealth at retirement. We maximize the expected utility of the ratio of pension wealth at retirement to an inflation-indexed benchmark. Together with a threshold and a lower bound, we are able to generate closed-form solutions. We find that this non-constant risk aversion type of utility could shift the probability density distribution of optimal wealth more towards the benchmark, and that the probability of achieving a certain percentage of the desired benchmark could be increased. The probability density distribution generated under constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) risk preference is more widely spread along the benchmark.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Pension Economics & Finance
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 1 Jan 2024

JEL classifications

  • c61 - "Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis"
  • d53 - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium: Financial Markets
  • g11 - "Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions"

Keywords

  • benchmark-driven investment
  • life-cycle investment
  • state-dependent utility
  • stochastic optimal control
  • underfunded starting position

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