11.   Semiconductor stocks fell after Merrill Lynch downgraded many companies, including PMC-Sierra and Intel.

12.   The chip sector, of which both companies are a part, also saw analysts this week downgrade some companies or express concerns about their outlooks ahead.

13.   The recommendation came less than a week after the same bank downgraded the company, whose stock has been on a downward trend since the beginning of the month.

14.   The recommendation came less than a week after the same analyst downgraded the company, whose stock has been on slipping since the beginning of the month.

15.   The wireless communications company was downgraded by some investment firms on worries the slowing economy would hurt business.

16.   AG Edwards downgraded the company.