Finite horizon portfolio selection problems with stochastic borrowing constraints

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the optimal consumption and investment problem with stochastic borrowing constraints for a finitely lived agent. To be specific, she faces a credit limit which is a constant fraction of the present value of her stochastic labor income at each time. By using the martingale approach and transformation into an infinite series of optimal stopping problems which has the same characteristic as finding the optimal exercise time of an American option. We recover the value function by establishing a duality relationship and obtain the integral equation representation solution for the optimal consumption and portfolio strategies. Moreover, we provide some numerical illustrations for optimal consumption and investment policies.