Work

Finite-Horizon Optimal Consumption and Investment with Upper and Lower Constraints on Consumption

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We study a finite-horizon optimal consumption and investment problem in a complete continuous-time market where consumption is restricted within fixed upper and lower bounds. Assuming constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) preferences, we employ the dual-martingale approach to reformulate the problem and derive closed-form integral representations for the dual value function and its derivatives. These results yield explicit feedback formulas for the optimal consumption, portfolio allocation, and wealth processes. We establish the duality theorem linking the primal and dual value functions and verify the regularity and convexity properties of the dual solution. Our results show that the upper and lower consumption bounds transform the linear Merton rule into a piecewise policy: consumption equals L when wealth is low, follows the unconstrained Merton ratio in the interior region, and is capped at H when wealth is high.

Source: Mathematics

DOI: 10.3390/math13223598

Authors: Geonwoo Kim, Junkee Jeon

Institutions: Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University

Language: English

Topic: Stochastic processes and financial applications

Subfield: Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Kyung Hee University