Copper climbed significantly from a low point at the beginning of 2007, and is steady at about $8,000/ton, rates the LME. Lead prices spiked in the first half of 2007, increasing from about $1,700/ton to $2,700/ton, and continuing the upward trend. Tin prices have risen at a more moderate pace, reaching about $15,000/ton by mid-year.

(August 15, 2007) SAN JOSE, Calif. &#151 SEMI reported global semiconductor manufacturing equipment billings at $11.06B in Q’02 2007, and bookings at $10.22B. Strong memory investments in the first half of 2007 led to an increase in billings, according to Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO, SEMI, adding that bookings declined, but remained at “sustainable levels.”