The only way that the statement "consumers are buying more durable goods than before" acts as an inference is that it is inferred from the "recent figures." We are told that recent figures show that consumers are buying mre durable goods than before. However, this is not specifically how this statement is acting, i.e. figuring, in the economist's argument.
We know the conclusion of the argument is: the economy seems to be heading out of recession.
Why? Because recent figures show that consumers are buying more durable foods than before, which shoes that they expect economic growth in the near future.
So, everything after the first sentence acts as evidence for the conclusion, i.e. the first sentence.
The only two answer choices that claim our statement in question is an inference are (C) and (D). Let's take a look at them:
Answer choice (C) says that it is an inference drawn from the premise that the recession seems to be ending. Well, we know that statement that says the recession seems to be ending is our conclusion, not a premise, therefore, (C) is not correct. Answer choice (D) says that it is an inference drawn from the premise that consumers expect economic growth in the near future. Well, in the passage it says that the fact that consumers are buying more durable goods than before INDICATES that they expect economic gromelwth in the near future. So, the fact that consumers are burying more durable goods than before is not drawn from the premise that consumers expect economic growth, rather it SHOWS that or PROVES that consumers expect economic growth in the near future. Therefore, answer choice (D) is incorrect as well.
Please refer to the previous thread on this question for an explanation for the correct answer.
Hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
