US DATA: SEMI cap eqpt forecasts came out overnight, projects that
worldwide sales of new semiconductor manufacturing equipment will reach
$41.8 billion in 2011. “The forecast indicates that, following a 151
percent market increase in 2010, the equipment market will expand by 4.7
percent in 2011. However, it is forecast to decline about 10.8 percent
in 2012 before resuming growth in 2013. Equipment revenues of $41.8
billion are roughly equivalent with 2007 investment levels.”