Asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimator of random effects models with serial correlation

This paper considers the large sample behavior of the maximum likelihood estimator of random effects models with serial correlation in the form of AR(1) for the idiosyncratic or time-specific error component. Consistent estimation and asymptotic normality as N and/or T grows large is established for a comprehensive specification which nests these models as well as all commonly used random effects models. When only N or T grows large only a subset of the parameters are consistent and asymptotic normality is established for the consistent subsets. -- Panel data ; serial correlation ; random effects