iSuppli, the US semiconductor analysts, are forecasting 3.5 per cent growth for the semiconductor industry this year.

Sales are expected to rise to $280.1bn from $270.6bn in 2007. iSuppli's previous forecast, issued in August, predicted 4 per cent growth for the year.

The U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) this month reported global semiconductor sales rose 5.5 per cent in August compared to August 2007.

The IMF has just revised its growth forecast for the world economy to 3.9 per cent growth this year, and 3 per cent next year.

iSuppli has cut its forecast for DRAM, raised its forecast for ASSP and is predicting a 12.5 per cent rise in the PC business.

See also: Mannerisms, the blog of David Manners. Updated twice daily, it's the distinctive, entertaining, authoritative and never dull commentary on the semiconductor industry, from someone who knows. Sign up for the Mannerisms eNewsletter.

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