NEW YORK -- A leading semiconductor analyst raised his 2014 outlook based on higher-than-expected April sales. Per the Semiconductor Industry Association, April's actual global sales were $25.6 billion slightly higher than the forecast of $24.86 billion.

SAN JOSE — Worldwide semiconductor equipment bookings were $9.89 billion in the first quarter, up 27% from a year ago and down 5% sequentially. 

WASHINGTON — Worldwide semiconductors sales rose 11.5% year-over-year in April, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported. The 90-day moving average sales were up 0.7% over the revised March numbers to $26.34 billion, the trade group added.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – IDC lowered its worldwide PC shipment forecast slightly on Tuesday, saying unit sales would fall 6.0% in 2014. The research firm previously forecast a 6.1% drop.