Does data on a time series need to be balanced like panel data?

[Seb Trounson]

Does data on a time series need to be balanced like panel data?

[Nick Cox]

I think that means: are gaps allowed? To which the short answer is Yes! and a longer answer is ... but gaps may prove problematic. Certainly use tsset carefully and consider (e.g.) whether to use a business calendar.

[Phil Bromiley]

Note, in general, panel data does not need to be balanced. There are a few estimators that assume balanced panels but only a few.