Equilbrium Price Paths in Sequential Auctions with Stochastic Supply
9 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 1999
There are 2 versions of this paper
Equilbrium Price Paths in Sequential Auctions with Stochastic Supply
Equilbrium Price Paths in Sequential Auctions with Stochastic Supply
Date Written: September 1998
Abstract
In many settings where several objects are auctioned sequentially, the total supply is not known with certainity ex ante. In such settings, price formation over the sequence of sales depends critically on the information available to the bidders regarding the remaining supply. For instance, prices may decline due to a reduced "option value" in early auctions caused by uncertain supply. However, if in the course of the auction it becomes known that fewer than expected units will be auctioned, prices may increase due to diminished supply and the corresponding increase in competition in latter auctions.
JEL Classification: D44
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation