EL SEGUNDO, CA -- The global hard disk drive industry surged to record revenue in the first quarter, thanks to higher average selling prices that compensated for the wreckage and loss in shipments left by the October floods in Thailand, according to an IHS iSuppli report.

EL SEGUNDO, CA -- Semiconductor stockpiles held by chip suppliers increased during the first quarter of 2012, but the rise in inventory for a second straight quarter was driven by the anticipation of higher demand from customers, according to an IHS iSuppli Inventory Insider Market Brief report.

TORONTO -- Apple and Samsung hold a combined unit market share of 47.6% for smartphones, yet earn 99% of industry operating profits.

TEMPE, AZ -- US manufacturing economic activity expanded in May for the 34th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 36th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives.