A Geometric Analysis of Gains from Trade

We provide a geometric proof that the random proposer mechanism is a 4-approximation to the first-best gains from trade in bilateral exchange. We then refine this geometric analysis to recover the 3.147-approximation guarantee previously established by Fei.

Authors

Kangning Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8688-2478)
Jason D. Hartline (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5505-6819)

Institutions

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (US)
Northwestern University (US)

Publication Details

Journal: Operations Research Letters
Published: 2026-11-01
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orl.2026.107572
Primary Topic: Game Theory and Voting Systems
Type: article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 0.00

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article

A Geometric Analysis of Gains from Trade

Kangning Wang, Jason D. Hartline

Nov 1, 2026

Operations Research Letters

Game Theory and Voting Systems

article

A Geometric Analysis of Gains from Trade

Kangning Wang, Jason D. Hartline

November 1, 2026article en

Abstract

Operations Research Letters

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (US), Northwestern University (US)

Openalex Percentile: Top 99%

Game Theory and Voting Systems

DOI Open Access PDF OpenAlex

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A Geometric Analysis of Gains from Trade — Kangning Wang, Jason D. Hartline · Operations Research Letters (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS