11.   Even so, the region and the state should avoid a recession, said the Los Angeles County Economic Development Department in its midyear outlook.

12.   Factory output and retail sales increased last month, in a sign that the economy will avoid a recession.

13.   Even so, the U.S. economy will probably avoid a recession over the next six months, according to economists surveyed by the National Association of Business Economists.

14.   It is unclear whether a recession will be avoided.

15.   Japan should avoid a recession this year, say economists, but not by much.

16.   Some analysts see the gains as a sign the country could still avoid a recession.

17.   Some economists said the biggest thing Bush can do to avoid a recession is to stop talking about it.

18.   Still, the new numbers suggest that if consumers continue to spend at their present level, the nation may avoid a recession.

19.   Still the new numbers suggested that if consumers continue to spend at their present level, the nation may avoid a recession.

20.   Still, consumers continue to spend, helped by the rate cuts, and the economy avoids a recession.