Explicit solution to dynamic portfolio choice problem: The continuous-time detour

Abstract

This paper solves the dynamic portfolio choice problem. Using an explicit solution with a power utility, we construct a bridge between a continuous and discrete VAR model to assess portfolio sensitivities. We find, from a well analyzed example that the optimal allocation to stocks is particularly sensitive to Sharpe ratio. Our quantitative analysis highlights that this sensitivity increases when the risk aversion decreases and/or when the time horizon increases. This finding explains the low accuracy of discrete numerical methods especially along the tails of the unconditional distribution of the state variable.