Abstract
I characterize optimal bidding decisions in bidding markets where each
agent does not perceive she can significantly affect the market outcome.
Using a foreign exchange bidding framework to provide a micro-foundation
for the shape of a bidder’s payoff function, I show that (1) in a discriminatory
auction a bidder bids for a price that equals the value of the marginal
product of her bid quantity, and (2) in a competitive auction a bidder
bids for a price that equals the value of the average product of her bid
quantity. An example illustrates the comparative properties of these solutions.
JEL Codes: D44, F31