Tiziano De Angelis

A Stochastic Reversible Investment Problem on a Finite-Time Horizon: Free Boundary Analysis

We study a continuous-time, finite horizon, stochastic partially reversible investment problem for a firm producing a single good in a market with frictions. The production capacity is modeled as a one-dimensional, time-homogeneous, linear diffusion controlled by a bounded variation process which represents the cumulative investment–disinvestment strategy. We associate to the investment–disinvestment problem a zero-sum optimal stopping game and characterize its value function through a free-boundary problem with two moving boundaries. These are continuous, bounded and monotone curves that solve a system of non-linear integral equations of Volterra type. The optimal investment–disinvestment strategy is then shown to be a diffusion reflected at the two boundaries.

A NOTE ON THE CONTINUITY OF FREE-BOUNDARIES IN FINITE-HORIZON OPTIMAL STOPPING PROBLEMS FOR ONE-DIMENSIONAL DIFFUSIONS ∗

We provide sufficient conditions for the continuity of the free-boundary in a general class of finite-horizon optimal stopping problems arising, for instance, in finance and economics. The underlying process is a strong solution of a one-dimensional, time-homogeneous stochastic differential equation (SDE). The proof relies on both analytic and probabilistic arguments and is based on a contradiction scheme inspired by the maximum principle in partial differential equations theory. Mild, local regularity of the coefficients of the SDE and smoothness of the gain function locally at the boundary are required.

A Non Convex Singular Stochastic Control Problem and Its Related Optimal Stopping Boundaries

We show that the equivalence between certain problems of singular stochastic control (SSC) and related questions of optimal stopping known for convex performance criteria (see, for example, Karatzas and Shreve (1984)) continues to hold in a non convex problem provided a related discretionary stopping time is introduced. Our problem is one of storage and consumption for electricity, a partially storable commodity with both positive and negative prices in some markets, and has similarities to the finite fuel monotone follower problem. In particular we consider a non convex infinite time horizon SSC problem whose state consists of an uncontrolled diffusion representing a real-valued commodity price, and a controlled increasing bounded process representing an inventory. We analyse the geometry of the action and inaction regions by characterising the related optimal stopping boundaries.

Optimal Boundary Surface for Irreversible Investment with Stochastic Costs

This paper examines a Markovian model for the optimal irreversible investment problem of a firm aiming at minimizing total expected costs of production. We model market uncertainty and the cost of investment per unit of production capacity, as two independent one-dimensional regular diffusions, and we consider a general convex running cost function. The optimization problem is set as a three-dimensional degenerate singular stochastic control problem. We provide the optimal control as the solution of a reflected diffusion at a suitable boundary surface. Such boundary arises from the analysis of a family of two-dimensional parameter-dependent optimal stopping problems, and it is characterized in terms of the family of unique continuous solutions to parameter-dependent, nonlinear integral equations of Fredholm type.

Nash equilibria of threshold type for two-player nonzero-sum games of stopping

This paper analyses two-player nonzero-sum games of optimal stopping on a class of linear regular diffusions with not non-singular boundary behaviour (in the sense of It\^o and McKean (1974), p.\ 108). We provide sufficient conditions under which Nash equilibria are realised by each player stopping the diffusion at one of the two boundary points of an interval. The boundaries of this interval solve a system of algebraic equations. We also provide conditions sufficient for the uniqueness of the equilibrium in this class.

A Solvable Two-Dimensional Degenerate Singular Stochastic Control Problem with Non Convex Costs

In this paper we provide a complete theoretical analysis of a two-dimensional degenerate non convex singular stochastic control problem. The optimisation is motivated by a storage-consumption model in an electricity market, and features a stochastic real-valued spot price modelled by Brownian motion. We find analytical expressions for the value function, the optimal control and the boundaries of the action and inaction regions. The optimal policy is characterised in terms of two monotone and discontinuous repelling free boundaries, although part of one boundary is constant and and the smooth fit condition holds there.

On the Optimal Boundary of a Three-Dimensional Singular Stochastic Control Problem Arising in Irreversible Investment

This paper examines a Markovian model for the optimal irreversible investment problem of a firm aiming at minimizing total expected costs of production. We model market uncertainty and the cost of investment per unit of production capacity as two independent one-dimensional regular diffusions, and we consider a general convex running cost function. The optimization problem is set as a three-dimensional degenerate singular stochastic control problem. We provide the optimal control as the solution of a Skorohod reflection problem at a suitable free-boundary surface. Such boundary arises from the analysis of a family of two-dimensional parameter-dependent optimal stopping problems and it is characterized in terms of the family of unique continuous solutions to parameter-dependent nonlinear integral equations of Fredholm type.