EL SEGUNDO – IHS iSuppli today upped its 2012 forecast for semiconductor growth to 4.3%, citing strong consumer demand for wireless products like cellphones and media tablets. The researchers warned that inventory levels must continue to come down, although progress has been made.

SAN JOSE — The 90-day moving average orders at North American semiconductor equipment manufacturers was $1.48 billion in March, up 10.7% from the revised February numbers.

STAMFORD, CT — Worldwide media tablet sales to end-users are forecast to rise 98% year-over-year to 118.9 million units in 2012, according to Gartner.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Smart grid spending will increase 17.4% globally on a compounded basis from 2010 to 2015 while overall spending will reach nearly $46.4 billion worldwide in 2015.