The sensitivity of risk premiums to the elasticity of intertemporal substitution

Abstract

This paper incorporates reference-dependent preferences  into a consumption-based asset pricing model featuring Epstein–Zin utility. Three relevant results emerge from this extension. First, agents prefer the late resolution of uncertainty in recursive utility. Second, the late resolution of uncertainty helps replicate the downward-sloping term structure of market excess return. Third, the intertemporal substitution elasticity is more sensitive to asset prices through increasing precautionary saving motivations. A closed-form solution for the proposed model largely explains (i) high, volatile, and countercyclical equity premiums; (ii) low risk-free rates; and (iii) the downward-sloping term structure of equity premiums and variance ratios.