An interim analysis of the World Fab Forecast database (Oct 2008) shows a decline in spending in 2009 for fabs equipping as some companies are forced to push out new and current project even further into late 2009 or into 2010, or put projects on hold.

►	Spending on fabs equipping in 2008 is expected to decline about -27%, while equipment spending for 2009 is currently forecasted to decline by -11%.
►	Fab construction spending will decline by -41% in 2008 and is estimate to increase by just +5% in 2009.
►	Spending cutbacks, project push outs, and fab closures are expected to result in Memory fab capacity growth of just 6% in both 2008 and 2009.

Overall fab capacity by year end in 2008 is expected to be about 15.6 million wafers (in 200 mm equivalents) per month, a growth rate of just 6% compared to 17% capacity growth in 2007. In 2009, total capacity is expected approach 16.6 million wafers per month.

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