An HMM approach for optimal investment of an insurer

Robert J. Elliott*, Tak Kuen Siu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) for studying an optimal investment problem of an insurer when model uncertainty is present. More specifically, the financial price and insurance risk processes are modulated by a continuous-time, finite-state, hidden Markov chain. The states of the chain represent different modes of the model. The HMM approach is viewed as a 'dynamic' version of the Bayesian approach to model uncertainty. The optimal investment problem is formulated as a stochastic optimal control problem with partial observations. The innovations approach in the filtering theory is then used to transform the problem into one with complete observations. New robust filters of the chain and estimates of key parameters are derived. We discuss the optimal investment problem using the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) dynamic programming approach and derive a closed-form solution in the case of an exponential utility and zero interest rate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)778-807
Number of pages30
JournalInternational Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An HMM approach for optimal investment of an insurer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this