We solve a model with incomplete markets and heterogeneous agents that generates a large equity premium, while simultaneously matching stock market participation and individual asset holdings. The high risk premium is driven by incomplete risk sharing among stockholders, which results from the combination of borrowing constraints and (realistically) calibrated life-cycle earnings profiles, subject to both aggregate and idiosyncratic shocks. We show that it is challenging to simultaneously match aggregate quantities (asset prices) and individual quantities (asset allocations). Furthermore, limited participation has a negligible impact on the risk premium, contrary to the results of models where it is imposed exogenously.
Also included in: UBS Pensions Series 035.
