Gartner cuts IC outlook, urges calm

SAN JOSE, Calif.— How will the current financial crisis affect the semiconductor market? The current economic climate is horrible, but it's not all doom-and-gloom. "You can't run on emotions only,'' said Bryan Lewis, an analyst with Gartner Inc. But during a presentation here Thursday (Oct. 9), Lewis dropped hints that Gartner could possibly reduce its IC forecast for 2008 and 2009. At present, Gartner projects that the IC market will grow 4.2 percent in 2008 and 7.8 percent in 2009. Based on the current dynamics, including the financial situation, the IC market could grow only 2.5 percent in 2008 and 2 percent in 2009, Lewis said. More precisely, in its next forecast update, Gartner expects to reduce its 2009 IC growth forecast to between 2 and 4 percent. There are mixed signals right now, which could spill over into 2009.... [read full story]