arXiv subjects

Nathalie Gimenes

Publications and source records attributed to Nathalie Gimenes.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Identification and Estimation of Seller Risk Aversion in Ascending Auctions

This paper shows how to identify and estimate the seller's risk parameter in an ascending auction. We consider a semiparametric model where the seller has a parametric utility function (such as CARA or CRRA) and the distribution of bidder valuations is modeled flexibly. We provide primitive conditions under which the risk parameter is identified and show that it can be consistently estimated with an asymptotically normal limiting distribution under standard regularity conditions. A Monte Carlo study demonstrates good finite-sample performance of the proposed estimator. We apply our approach to foreclosure real estate auction data from São Paulo. We find evidence that sellers are risk-averse, which leads to a much better fit to the data than a model with risk-neutral sellers, which would substantially underpredict the reserve price relative to what is observed.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2020

Quantile regression methods for first-price auctions

The paper proposes a quantile-regression inference framework for first-price auctions with symmetric risk-neutral bidders under the independent private-value paradigm. It is first shown that a private-value quantile regression generates a quantile regression for the bids. The private-value quantile regression can be easily estimated from the bid quantile regression and its derivative with respect to the quantile level. This also allows to test for various specification or exogeneity null hypothesis using the observed bids in a simple way. A new local polynomial technique is proposed to estimate the latter over the whole quantile level interval. Plug-in estimation of functionals is also considered, as needed for the expected revenue or the case of CRRA risk-averse bidders, which is amenable to our framework. A quantile-regression analysis to USFS timber is found more appropriate than the homogenized-bid methodology and illustrates the contribution of each explanatory variables to the private-value distribution. Linear interactive sieve extensions are proposed and studied in the Appendices.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2020

Semiparametric Quantile Models for Ascending Auctions with Asymmetric Bidders

The paper proposes a parsimonious and flexible semiparametric quantile regression specification for asymmetric bidders within the independent private value framework. Asymmetry is parameterized using powers of a parent private value distribution, which is generated by a quantile regression specification. As noted in Cantillon (2008) , this covers and extends models used for efficient collusion, joint bidding and mergers among homogeneous bidders. The specification can be estimated for ascending auctions using the winning bids and the winner's identity. The estimation is in two stage. The asymmetry parameters are estimated from the winner's identity using a simple maximum likelihood procedure. The parent quantile regression specification can be estimated using simple modifications of Gimenes (2017). Specification testing procedures are also considered. A timber application reveals that weaker bidders have $30\%$ less chances to win the auction than stronger ones. It is also found that increasing participation in an asymmetric ascending auction may not be as beneficial as using an optimal reserve price as would have been expected from a result of BulowKlemperer (1996) valid under symmetry.

econ.EM↗

arXiv2019

Nonparametric identification of an interdependent value model with buyer covariates from first-price auction bids

This paper introduces a version of the interdependent value model of Milgrom and Weber (1982), where the signals are given by an index gathering signal shifters observed by the econometrician and private ones specific to each bidders. The model primitives are shown to be nonparametrically identified from first-price auction bids under a testable mild rank condition. Identification holds for all possible signal values. This allows to consider a wide range of counterfactuals where this is important, as expected revenue in second-price auction. An estimation procedure is briefly discussed.

econ.EM↗