With $Y_n$ i.i.d, $EY_n = 1$, $X_n = \prod_{k=1}^n Y_k$, use Strong Law of Large Numbers to show $\frac{\log(X_n)}{n} \to c < 0$

law-of-large-numbersmartingales

Let $Y_n$ be a sequence of non-negative i.i.d random variables with $EY_n = 1$ and $P(Y_n = 1) < 1$. Consider the martingale process formed by $X_n = \prod_{k=1}^n Y_k$. Use the strong law of large numbers to show that:

\begin{align*}
\frac{\log(X_n)}{n} \to c < 0 \; \; \text{a.s.} \\
\end{align*}

The strong law of numbers says that:

\begin{align*}
\frac{\log(X_n)}{n} &= \frac{1}{n} \sum_{k=1}^n \log Y_k \to E(\log Y_k) \\
\end{align*}

How do I show that $E(\log Y_k) = c < 0$?

Best Answer

$\log x$ is a concave function. Jensen's inequality shows that $E \log Y_k \leq \log EY_k=0$.