The bounds of heavy-tailed return distributions in evolving complex networks

We consider the evolution of scale-free networks according to preferential attachment schemes and show the conditions for which the exponent characterizing the degree distribution is bounded by upper and lower values. Our framework is an agent model, presented in the context of economic networks of trades, which shows the emergence of critical behavior. Starting from a brief discussion about the main features of the evolving network of trades, we show that the logarithmic return distributions have bounded heavy tails, and the corresponding bounding exponent values can be derived. Finally, we discuss these findings in the context of model risk.

► Minimal model for evolving complex networks with heavy-tail distributions. ► Derivation of the limiting values for the exponent describing the heavy tails. ► Application to Value at Risk and Risk models.