The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced on Monday, March 12010 that worldwide chip sales in January rose to $22.5 billion. A significant 47.5% increase from the same month a year ago. Additionally, chip sales were higher in January 2010 from December 2009.
This confirms the recommendation of February 24, 2010 regarding the upgrade of computers and software in order to improve productivity and to stay current in difficult business conditions. In the past I recommended some stocks that will be winners this year. Add to the list APPLIED MATRIALS, Inc (AMAT) and MICRON TECHNOLOGY, Inc (MU).
Take Over Potential.
It is extremely likely that E*TRADE FINANCIALS CORPORATION ’ETFC’ will be taken over this year by one of the largest discount brokerage houses -perhaps Charles Schwab or Ameritrade It is very difficult for the largest brokerage houses to grow organically. Therefore in order to increase their accounts and cash potential from market money accounts, they need to acquire a smaller brokerage firms.