How likely is that we're near the end of the economic downturn?

In point of fact, in the US the price of gasoline is once again steadily rising. Now I know that the correlation between exorbitant gas prices, the resulting increases in prices, and the extra stress this all put on the consumer has been larger ignored by economists and the government. However, it did directly effect the downswing of the economy and it will again. When you have to chose between putting gas in car to get to and from work and buying groceries, guess what, gas wins every time. Real estate prices however are at an all time low, so if your credit is stellar enough to purchase now, your investment would be safe because once the economy does recover you will see a drastic increase in your investment.