Economists Gauge the Prospects

A survey of economists conducted by the National Association for Business Economics shows that around 74% of them think the recession will end in Q3,while 19% think Q4 is more likely.A further 7% look for a Q1 2010 conclusion.The economists see the unemployment rate for 2009 averaging 9.1%,though some feel it could go as high as 10.7% in Q2 of 2010.This high unemployment will occur even if economic recovery begins,as companies will refrain from hiring until it is a certainty.The May unemployment report will be released on Friday,putting a question mark on the durability of the week's market activity.