Question
Consider a market for two differentiated products. Demand for good 1 is given by and demand for product 2 is D1(p1,p2)=1304/3p1 +2/3p2 D2(p1,p2)=1304/3p2 +2/3p1 where
Consider a market for two differentiated products. Demand for good 1 is given by
and demand for product 2 is
D1(p1,p2)=1304/3p1 +2/3p2
D2(p1,p2)=1304/3p2 +2/3p1
where p1 and p2 are the prices of good 1 and 2. The cost function for both products and any firm producing them is C(q) = 15q.
(a)Are the two goods complements or substitutes? Briefly explain why. What is the diversion ratio of this demand schedule?
(b) Suppose the two goods are produced by one firm. What are the optimal prices for the two goods? What is total profit for the firm? [Hint: Make sure the demand of each good enters the monopolist's profit function!]
(c) Suppose firm 1 produces good 1 and firm 2 produces good 2. Assume that the two firms compete in prices. Derive the reaction function of each firm and give the Nash equilibrium prices and profits.
(d) Finally, assume the two firms from (c) play the price game with an infinite horizon and a common discount rate of . Construct a subgame perfect equilibrium with trigger strategies in which both firms charge the prices you found in (b) and punish devia- tions by reverting forever to the Nash equilibrium prices in (c). Under which condition can the firms sustain this equilibrium?
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started