Rank-Dependent Predictable Forward Performance Processes

Abstract: Predictable forward performance processes (PFPPs) are stochastic optimal control frameworks for an agent who controls a randomly evolving system but can only prescribe the system dynamics for a short period ahead. This is a common scenario in which a controlling agent frequently re-calibrates her model. We introduce a new class of PFPPs based on rank-dependent utility, generalizing existing models that are based on expected utility theory (EUT). We establish existence of rank-dependent PFPPs under a conditionally complete market and exogenous probability distortion functions which are updated periodically. We show that their construction reduces to solving an integral equation that generalizes the integral equation obtained under EUT in previous studies. We then propose a new approach for solving the integral equation via theory of Volterra equations. We illustrate our result in the special case of conditionally complete Black-Scholes model.