After missing the targets many analysts had set for Q4 2007, and back to back reports of reduced search query and paid click growth, Wall Street is anxious to see if Googles still the "sure thing" it has been for the past couple of years.

The companys first quarter announcement will be as important as federal rate cut or economic forecast"perhaps even becoming a sign of the severity of any recession. Hit (or exceed) projections and expect Google shares to make back some of what its given up over the past couple of months. Fail to reach expectations and you can expect Googles stock to falter"if not tank"and you can pretty much assume Google wont be making any big acquisitions any time soon. Without the $700+ stock price, any acquisition by Google would be a lot more costly.

So, any signs if Google will hit or miss on Thursday? comScore offers a glimmer of hope

Market research group Comscore Inc. said late Monday that Googles volume of search queries in March grew 30% year-over-year, reversing a deceleration from January to February. The research group said the number of times people searched on Google increased 31% in the first quarter, compared with the year ago period.

Now, dont pop the champagne just yet. That growth is for the number of search queries on Google, not "paid clicks""which is a more important measurement"but, theres at least something to suggest Google will not disappoint on Thursday.

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