21.   Stock prices came back, and major economies avoided recession.

22.   Still, the new numbers suggested to many economists that if consumers continued to spend at their present level, the nation could avoid a recession.

23.   Suddenly they have been resurrected as a lifeline that may be needed to avoid a recession.

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

25.   That spending has helped the country avoid recession, since consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity.

26.   The decision to hold the benchmark rate steady was widely expected by economists, who said Britain might narrowly avoid recession because consumers were still spending.

27.   The Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times, reassuring investors that it was determined to avoid a recession.

28.   The only way for its outcome to be remarkable would be for the economy to avoid a recession.

29.   The only way to avoid a recession may be fiscal stimulus, from either tax cuts or more federal spending, and presidential leadership will be required.

30.   The question nagging at stock and bond investors recently has been whether the economic slowdown is continuing or whether the worst is over and a recession has been avoided.