We investigate the dynamics of a cobweb model with heterogeneous beliefs, generalising the example of Brock and Hommes (1997). We examine situations where the agents form expectations by using either perfect foresight, or a form of adaptive expectations with limited memory defined from the last...

We show that asymmetric equilibria may exist in an ex ante symmetric step-by-step R&D if product market competition is intense. The corresponding symmetric equilibrium is unstable and therefore less likely the one selected, while the asymmetric ones result in lower economic growth (reversing...

In the developing world, kidnapping is relatively common, and a market for kidnap insurance has arisen in response. We provide a model that allows us to analyze how kidnap insurance affects the interaction between the kidnapper and the victim’s family when both are self-interested and have...

This paper investigates the trade-off between growth and distribution in open economies. In closed economies redistribution seems to reduce growth. I show that in open economies tax competition leads redistributing (left-wing) governments to mimic 'right-wing' policies if capital mobility is...

When rationality is bounded, a variety of factors may influence how far a choice is from optimal. We examine the willingness to search among alternatives. We find fixed individual differences in this temperament measure. People may be usefully typed according to how they obtain improved choices....