To judge from a key forecasting gauge that rose for the second straight month in April, the US economy is weak but does not yet appear to be in a recession. The index, compiled by the Conference Board and published on 19 May, increased 0.1 percent, better than expected and matching the gain in March. The increase in March was the first gain since September 2007. The median estimate of 53 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had forecast no change in the index. The closely watched measure from the Conference" Board, the New York-based management-oriented organization that connects 1,600 corporations worldwide, suggests the direction of the economy over the ensuing three to six months.
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