open access publication

Article, 2024

Internalizing match-dependent externalities

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, ISSN 1879-1751, 0167-2681, Volume 218, Pages 356-378, 10.1016/j.jebo.2023.12.014

Contributors

Lange, Andreas [1] Ross, Johannes 0000-0002-3217-5919 (Corresponding author) [2]

Affiliations

  1. [1] Universität Hamburg
  2. [NORA names: Germany; Europe, EU; OECD];
  3. [2] Copenhagen Business School
  4. [NORA names: CBS Copenhagen Business School; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD]

Abstract

External effects can be triggered through trade and depend on the locations of buyers and sellers who are matched. Inspired by electricity markets, we experimentally investigate markets in which net trades between two locations induce social costs. Based on a modified double auction setting, we compare the performance of market platforms that are location-blind with those where information on the location of (potential) trading partners or the level of the externality is given. We demonstrate that locational information is sufficient to reduce the externality. Imposing the full external costs on individual trades leads to maximal price differentiation between locations and further reduces net trades, while welfare improvements are limited. Reasons for not achieving the typically high efficiency of double auctions are discussed.

Keywords

auction, auction setting, buyers, cost, differentiation, double auction, effect, efficiency, electricity, electricity market, experimentation, external effects, externalities, improvement, individual trades, information, levels, location, location information, location of buyers, market, market platform, net trade, partners, performance, platform, price differentials, reasons, sellers, sets, social costs, trade, welfare, welfare improvement

Funders

  • Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Data Provider: Digital Science