
02.08.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
European PCB Industry Update; December Global Semiconductor, U.S. Electronics and North American PCB Data Keep reading...
02.03.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
U.S. & Japanese Electronics Updates, Improved Chip Demand, HDD Price Trends, Foxconn Hon Hai Product Mix, EMS & ODM Forecast, Top OEM Semiconductor Buyers, Revised PC Market Forecast, 4Q'11 U.S. GDP Growth, U.S. Leading Indicator Rises, German Business Confidence Improves, Ultrabooks vs. Media Tablets Keep reading...
01.25.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
World & Japanese Printed Circuit Market Growth, U.S. & Global Industrial Production, Flash Memory & DRAM Growth and CAPEX, Chip Foundry Market, Cloud Server Forecast & Current Metal Prices Keep reading...
01.18.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Upturn in SE Asia, Taiwan & European Market Updates, Stabilized Material Prices, Global Wafer Fab Capacity, 4Q’11 Personal Computer Shipments, Global Handset Shipments for 2011 & 2012 Keep reading...
01.11.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Leading Indicators, U.S. "Factory Orders", Passive Components, U.S. Electronic Supply Chain Growth, World IT Spending Forecast, Exchange Rates & Metal Prices Keep reading...
01.04.2012 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
November World Semiconductor Shipments, N American PCB Orders & Shipments, Electronic Materials and Process Equipment Sector Composites, Smartphone Volumes, World PCB Shipments for 2011 and 2012 (projected), U.S. Leading Indicator Increase and HDD Contract Demands for 2012 Keep reading...
12.28.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
US & Japan Electronics Updates; Isola Prevails in Patent Suit; Applied Materials Predicts Rebound in 2H’12; Taiwan Flex Makers Benefit from Orders Shifted from Thailand; Japan SEMI Book/Bill Improves; Top 10 Semiconductor Producers in 2011; Global 3Q’11 Media Tablet Sales up 265% in 3Q’11 vs. 3Q’10 Keep reading...
12.21.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Chinese Electronics Industry Busy Ahead of Lunar New Year; Recent 2012 Forecasts from Japan & Germany; Updated Semiconductor & SEMI Equipment Forecasts; 3Q’11 Wafer Fab Utilization, Capacity and Starts; Semiconductor Packaging Materials Market; U.S. Aerospace Outlook; HDD Supply & Demand Forecast through 4Q’12 Keep reading...
12.14.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Taiwan/China & U.S. Updates, SEMI Year-end Forecast, SEMI Packaging Market, Component Maker to Supply for Peak Demand before Lunar New Year, External Storage Market Keep reading...
12.07.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides us with the latest WSTS semiconductor forecast through 2013, the latest world server and mobile device market data, and updated global & regional monthly electronic equipment shipments and PCB monthly shipments data. Keep reading...
11.30.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer discusses SEMI equipment & solar/photovoltaic supply chain growth, mobile device shipments, U.S. electronics sales, and updates us on metal prices and exchange rates. Keep reading...
11.22.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides us with his presentation from Productronica, Europe’s large, biannual electronics trade show produced by Messe Muenchen GmbH. Keep reading...
11.16.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
The electronic industry supply chain has historically shown strong seasonality and also multiyear business cycles. The sharp downturn in 2009 followed by rapid recovery in 2010 is just one example of a very disruptive cycle. Predicting these seasonal and multiyear cycles can help companies construct proper sales forecasts, purchase materials on a timely basis, plan capital investments and ensure adequate work force levels. Keep reading...
11.08.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer discusses 3Q’11 global electronic supply chain sector growth, the latest SIA semiconductor shipment data, and U.S. electronic equipment & components DOC factory orders data. Keep reading...
11.03.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
2Q'11 IC Wafer Fab Capacity, September N American PCB Orders & Shipments, August Japanese Electronics Data, September U.S. Electronics Shipments, Orders & Shipments, 2011 DRAM Market, U.S. GDP & Consumer Confidence, 3Q'11 Media Tablet and Mobile Phone Shipments Keep reading...
10.26.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
SEMI Equipment, NAND vs. DRAM, HDD Pricing, U.S. Leading Indicator, U.S. Industrial Production, Forex: US$ vs. Japanese Yen, PCs, Notebooks & Tablets, Personal Navigation Devices Keep reading...
10.19.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer shares his presentation from the EIPC (European Printed Circuit Board trade organization)’s fall conference. Keep reading...
10.12.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides us with updates on the major global electronic equipment and component markets, and takes a "new look" at the communications sector. Keep reading...
10.05.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer discusses the weakened outlook for 2011 & 2012, the downward revision of SEMI equipment capital spending, unchanged U.S. Consumer confidence, moderation of hard disk growth, and provides U.S. and Japanese electronics updates. Keep reading...
09.28.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer discusses the drop in metal & oil prices, the strengthening of the dollar, and updates us on the markets for datacom equipment, media tablets, PCs, & Japanese SEMI equipment. Keep reading...
09.21.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Analyst Walt Custer gives us an global electronics update for Europe, Taiwan & China supply chains, global semiconductor shipments, SEMI equipment, LCDs, personal computers, servers & disk storage. Keep reading...
09.14.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Analyst Walt Custer gives us an update on the global economy & semiconductor shipments, printed circuit demand, domestic electronics and supply chain activity. Keep reading...
09.07.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer features the “economy” section of Ed Henderson’s “Henderson Electronic Market Forecast.” Keep reading...
09.01.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer features a cross section of the larger companies contributing financial data to Custer Consulting Group’s OEM global composite. Using the combined sales, net income and inventory of groups of companies producing similar products we track the performance of key sectors of the electronic supply chain. Keep reading...
08.24.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides us with an European update. Keep reading...
08.17.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives us market updates for Taiwan/China electronics, currency exchange, global supply chain, mobile devices & DRAM. Keep reading...
08.10.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides a global electronic supply chain performance update by sector. Keep reading...
08.03.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer asks, "Is seasonal expansion beginning?" Keep reading...
07.28.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides us with a Japanese electronics update, discusses China PMI declines, and revises the semiconductor outlook. Keep reading...
07.20.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides us with a Taiwan/China market update, and discusses booming touch screen module demand and double digit SEMI equipment growth in 2011. Keep reading...
07.13.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides us with a market update for the US & Taiwan/China, and discusses why there is optimism in Japan for 3Q'11. Keep reading...
07.06.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses updates to the medical equipment composite data, the PMI decline in June for all but USA, and Samsung's prediction of a weaker semiconductor market in last half of 2011. Keep reading...
06.29.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses flat domestic electronics "growth", Apple's demand for component suppliers to cut costs by 10%, and signs of slightly improved domestic electronics business confidence. Keep reading...
06.22.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives us a world electronics update with recent Japanese & European data, posts SEMI equipment forecasts through 2015, and discusses reasons why this slowdown may be short lived. Keep reading...
06.15.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives us an update on Taiwan/China, discusses revised semiconductor and personal computer forecasts, and comments on smartphone, tablet & external storage markets. Keep reading...
06.08.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer dicusses the global slow down, and what is contributing to the decline. Keep reading...
06.01.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides supply chain & market updates, discusses recent Japanese and U.S. electronics performance, and details April N. American SEMI equipment performance. Keep reading...
05.18.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides us with U.S., European & SE Asian supply chain updates, and discusses component shortages and smartphone growth. Keep reading...
05.11.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides us with an update on the European market, and shares slides from his talk at the SMT/Hybrid/Packaging tradeshow in Nuremberg, Germany. Keep reading...
05.04.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses softer U.S. electronics demand, PCB price increases, and Apple's control of the tablet market. Keep reading...
04.28.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses the decline in PC demand due to the growing popularity of tablets, and gives us an update on the European and Japanese markets. Keep reading...
04.20.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer provides readers with his IPC APEX EXPO presentation slides and charts. Keep reading...
04.13.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt provides us with an update on the global economic outlook, and discusses inflationary pressures in the market. Keep reading...
04.06.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses a modest February global sales slowdown, and the Japanese Purchasing Managers' Index sharp March decline. Keep reading...
03.30.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses tighter component supplies & hoarding, and responds to a reader’s request. Keep reading...
03.23.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses rising costs and component shortages, European update, and surging metal prices. Keep reading...
03.16.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses China’s Electronics Performance; Apple’s iPad 2, and an update on “Pre-earthquake” Japanese Electronics. Keep reading...
03.09.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses seasonally strong semiconductor shipment growth and the Mid East's unrest effect on current “recovery”. Keep reading...
03.01.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives an update on Global Electronics Growth by Sector; Japanese & U.S. Market Update; Silicon & SEMI Equipment Updates. Keep reading...
02.23.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives a European market update and the latest on semiconductor inventories. Keep reading...
02.16.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses World Electronics Supply Chain - 4Q'10 Growth by Sector. Keep reading...
02.09.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer recaps the European PCB Conference. Keep reading...
02.02.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses SIA Semiconductor Shipment Data; U.S. Electronic Equipment Orders; U.S. GDP; MEMS Market. Keep reading...
01.26.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses SEMI Equipment Book/Bills; DRAM Pricing Outlook; Electronic Equipment Forecast; OEMs IC Consumption. Keep reading...
01.20.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer discusses Passive Component Orders Rebound; DRAM Sales Forecast; Printed Circuit & PCB Materials Market Activity. Keep reading...
01.12.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer forecasts 2011 Looks Like an “OK” Year Keep reading...
01.05.2011 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines Increasing Costs within the Electronics Industry Keep reading...
12.28.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines 2010's Strong Start & Encouraging Finish Keep reading...
12.21.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines European Electronics Food Chain Update; Surging NT$; U.S. Leading Indicator Rises; U.S. & European Industrial Production Expand; SEMI Equipment Sales near Seasonal Peak; Hard Disk Shipments Rebound Keep reading...
12.15.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines Taiwan/China electronics demand, Global Printed Circuit Boards, and Semiconductor Growth Expectations. Keep reading...
12.08.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines U.S. Factory Orders; October Semiconductor Shipments; N. American Electronics “Food Chain” Keep reading...
12.01.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines Global Electronic Equipment Shipments; U.S. equipment Orders; NAND Prices; Metal Pricing Keep reading...
11.23.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines Electronic Component Shipments in Europe; Japanese Electronic Equipment Shipments and Component Growth; SEMI equipment Book/Bill N. America & Japan; Keep reading...
11.17.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer examines 3Q’10 Electronic Food Chain Performance; World Semiconductor Shipments; U.S. Factory Orders Update Keep reading...
11.09.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's MarketEye, Walt Custer reviews third quarter global electronic equipment sales by sector. Keep reading...
11.02.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's post from Walt Custer updates readers regarding September Domestic Electronic Equipment & Printed Circuit Board; 3Q’10 GDP Growth; 3Q’10 Mobile Phone Shipments; Tablet Device Outlook Keep reading...
10.26.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's post from Walt Custer readers learn that Japanese electronics output is flat, DRAM prices are beginning to soften and SEMI equiment orders in North America are easing. Keep reading...
10.20.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer looks at exchange rates, metal prices, the PCB industry in India and the results of the personal computer market in the third quarter. Keep reading...
10.13.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week Walt Custer gives readers a global electronics update and provides the September data for Taiwan and China. Keep reading...
10.05.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week’s post Walt Custer provides an update on the U.S. PCB Outlook, Metal Prices, Copper Foil & Fiberglass Yarn, Tablet PC Shipments, SEMI Equipment Outlook Keep reading...
09.28.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week’s post Walt Custer provides an update on the markets in the U. S., Europe and Japan, reports on the highest gold and silver prices ever witnessed and gives his take on the leading domestic indicators. Keep reading...
09.21.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer reports European & Global Update; Recent SEMI CAPEX Forecast, Glass Inventories & More. Keep reading...
09.08.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's MarketEye, Walt Custer reports that global numbers still indicate a slow growth pattern. Keep reading...
08.30.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer reports that global electronics growth is easing as inventories creep up and European PCBs are having an excellent year so far. Keep reading...
08.24.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer's weekly post suggests continued growth at a slower pace and cautions component suppliers as the Europe market may be overheated. Keep reading...
08.17.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides an update on Taiwan/China and Europe markets, declining notebook sales, phone shipments, and much more industry news can be found in this week's MarketEye post. Keep reading...
08.10.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides readers with a look at the second quarter electronic food chain performance. Keep reading...
08.05.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer's predictions come true as global semiconductor shipments slow and end market demand flattens in the second quarter. Keep reading...
07.27.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's MarketEye Walt Custer peers into a crystal ball and uses leading industry indicators to help predict the future. Keep reading...
07.20.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's MarketEye, Walt Custer looks at the possibility for a flattening in industrial output in the coming months and sees strong growth in the solar/photovoltaic industry. Keep reading...
07.13.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this edition of MarketEye, Custer reports that SE Asia had a strong showing in the first half of 2010 but questions what the future may hold. Keep reading...
07.06.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's post Walt Custer reviews sobering headlines that may point to a worrisome economic future. Keep reading...
06.28.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer reports strong PCB growth in the U.S. and Europe and also reports that China and Taiwan are removing mutual tariffs. You'll find this and more in this week's edition of MarketEye. Keep reading...
06.22.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this week's post Walt Custer cites growth in all sectors and regions of the electronic food chain. Keep reading...
06.15.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides his slides presented recently at the European Institute of Printed Circuits (EIPC) in Nuremberg, Germany. Keep reading...
06.08.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
This week, business analyst Walt Custer updates readers on the current state of the electronic food chain. Keep reading...
05.31.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer gives a comprehensive update on several large and medium sized EMS companies in this week's MarketEye article. Keep reading...
05.25.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this MarketEye post Walt Custer delivers an industry update based on April sales from Taiwanese electronics companies. Keep reading...
05.17.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides readers with an update on the electronics industry in Europe from Eurostat's March report. Keep reading...
05.10.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Prior to the recent global crises, Walt Custer reports early 2010 results were moving in a positive direction. Keep reading...
05.03.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer sees overheated component sales but reports a healthy Q1 for electronic equipment and end market growth. Keep reading...
04.26.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer provides readers with an update on first quarter market growth. Keep reading...
04.19.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer offers commentary on the first quarter global end market growth, the modest European recovery, personal computer expansion and more in this edition of MarketEye. Keep reading...
04.12.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer gives MarketEye readers a financial update on Taiwan and China plus the business outlook charts from the IPC Expo/Apex Tradeshow. Keep reading...
04.05.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
MarketEye contributor Walt Custer looks at the strong global manufacturing activity as well as the modest domestic end market growth and more in this week's MarketEye post. Keep reading...
03.30.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Find out the latest industry news in this week's MarketEye post from Walt Custer. Keep reading...
03.22.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer reports positive trends in global industrial production, North American SEMI shipments and improvement in European and Japanese electronics. Read this news and more in this week's MarketEye post. Keep reading...
03.16.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Custer Consulting Group colleague, Ed Henderson, provides readers with an upbeat economic outlook through 2012. Keep reading...
03.08.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
In this edition of MarketEye, Custer reports on several noted market improvements including domestic end market improvements, the growth in fab spending and more in this week's post. Keep reading...
03.01.2010 // Posted by: Walt Custer // Posted in: Articles, Industry Conditions
Walt Custer's post points to several positive economic growth trends in this week's edition of MarketEye. Keep reading...