Multiplicative functions with small increments. II (Q2641344)

\(\{\) For part I, cf. ibid. 55, No.1/2, 97-101 (1990; Zbl 0709.11050)\(\}\). A complete description is given of the multiplicative functions f that satisfy \[ \sum_{n\leq x}| f(n+K)- f(n)|^{\alpha}=O(\rho^{\alpha}(x)) \] for some K, a constant \(\alpha\geq 1\) and a slowly varying function \(\rho\). Such a function either satisfies \(\sum_{n\leq x}| f(n)| =O(\rho^{\alpha}(x)),\) or it is of the form \(f(n)=n^ su(n)\), where Re \(s\leq 1\) and u is a periodic multiplicative function with period K.