SAN JOSE – North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.03 billion in orders in June and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.85, says SEMI. 
  
The three-month average of worldwide bookings was flat sequentially, and down about 36% year-over-year, says the trade group.
 
The three-month average of worldwide billings was $1.21 billion, down about 8% sequentially, and down about 31% compared to June 2007.
 
"With a half year of data at hand, bookings for the North American equipment manufacturers are down 27% compared to the same period one year ago," said Daniel Tracy, senior director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. “The industry awaits more clarity in the overall economic condition before increasing capital spending.”

STOCKHOLM – Sony Ericsson will slash 2,000 jobs worldwide over the next 12 months, as the mobile phone maker seeks to dramatically cut costs.