This paper solves the stochastic inverse optimal problem. Dynamic programming is used to transform the origina l problem into a differential equation. A solution exists for any pro duction function with a finite slope at the origin provided the savin gs function, starting from the origin, is steep initially and flat ev entually. Three consumption functions-linear, Keynes-ian, and Cantabr igian-are also studied with a Cobb-Douglas production technology. A w ell-known result in discrete time models-that a logarithmic utility f unction and a Cobb-Douglas production function imply a Keynesian cons umption function-does not carry through to the continuous time case. Copyright 1988 by The Econometric Society.

This paper demonstrates, using the Reflection Principle, the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the classic Solow equation under continuous time uncertainty for the class of strictly concave production functions which are continuously differentiable on the nonnegative real numbers. This class contains all CES functions with elasticity of substitution less than unity. A steady state distribution also exists for this class of production functions which have a bounded slope at the origin. A condition on the drift-variance ratio of the stochastic differential equation alone, independent of technology and the savings ratio, is found to be necessary for the existence of a steady state.