Risk aversion and the dynamics of optimal liquidation strategies in illiquid markets

Schied, Alexander and Schoeneborn, Torsten (2008): Risk aversion and the dynamics of optimal liquidation strategies in illiquid markets.

Abstract

We consider the infinite-horizon optimal portfolio liquidation problem for a von Neumann-Morgenstern investor in the liquidity model of Almgren (2003). Using a stochastic control approach, we characterize the value function and the optimal strategy as classical solutions of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations. We furthermore analyze the sensitivities of the value function and the optimal strategy with respect to the various model parameters. In particular, we find that the optimal strategy is aggressive or passive in-the-money, respectively, if and only if the utility function displays increasing or decreasing risk aversion. Surprisingly, only few further monotonicity relations exist with respect to the other parameters. We point out in particular that the speed by which the remaining asset position is sold can be decreasing in the size of the position but increasing in the liquidity price impact.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Liquidity, illiquid markets, optimal liquidation strategies, dynamic trading strategies, algorithmic trading, utility maximization
• Subjects: G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G12 - Asset Pricing ; Trading Volume ; Bond Interest Rates; G - Financial Economics > G3 - Corporate Finance and Governance > G33 - Bankruptcy ; Liquidation; G - Financial Economics > G2 - Financial Institutions and Services > G24 - Investment Banking ; Venture Capital ; Brokerage ; Ratings and Ratings Agencies; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G10 - General; G - Financial Economics > G2 - Financial Institutions and Services > G20 - General

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