Definition of Constant Absolute Risk Aversion (CARA): CARA utility is a class of utility functions. Also called exponential utility. Has the form, for some positive constant a:

u(c)=-(1/a)e^-ac

"Under this specification the elasticity of marginal utility is equal to -ac, and the instantaneous elasticity of substitution is equal to 1/ac."

The coefficient of absolute risk aversion is a; thus the abbreviation CARA for Constant Absolute Risk Aversion. "Constant absolute risk aversion is usually thought of as a less plausible description of risk aversion than constant relative risk aversion" (that's the CRRA), but it can be more analytically convenient. (Econterms)

Terms related to Constant Absolute Risk Aversion (CARA):

• CRRA