Semiconductor plant spending to reach $45.7 bln in 2004

Chip makers will spend $45.7 bln on new plant in 2004 and a further $45.8 bln in 2005, market watcher Gartner said this week. In July, Gartner said 2005 capex would jump 13.4% over 2004 total, which was then forecast at $44.8 bln. That would have left 2005 capex at over $50.8 bln. While Gartner has raised its 2004 capex forecast by under 1%, that's not enough to cover the 2004-2005 growth decline, from 13.4% to just 0.4%.