A Generalized Endogenous Grid Method for Non-Concave Problems

Abstract

This paper extends Carroll’s (2006) endogenous grid method and its combination with value function iteration by Barillas and Fernandez-Villaverde (2007) to non-concave problems. The method is illustrated using a consumer problem in which consumers choose both durable and non-durable consumption. The durable choice is discrete and subject to non-convex adjustment costs. The algorithm yields substantial gains in accuracy and computational time relative to value function iteration, the standard solution choice for non-concave problems.

Keywords: Endogenous grid method, non-concavity

JEL Classification: C63