Weak demand, low prices wreak havoc

PC and chip titans are feeling the strain of world events. HP says job cuts are coming while two companies halt plans for chip plants.

HP, Motorola face critical test news analysis How they deal with economic uncertainties could provide others with a road map for how--or how not--to react to market forces. Profit warnings down for quarter Fewer tech companies are on track to post earnings surprises than the previous quarter, when a record number of companies issued warnings. HP's Platt sees job cuts coming Addressing a Singapore forum by teleconference, the chairman says there are no specifics yet. Motorola halts copper chip plant Motorola suspends construction of a $3 billion copper chip plant in Virginia because of weak semiconductor demand. United Micro halts $14 billion plan United Microelectronics, Taiwan's second-largest microchip maker, will end the massive investment plan due to oversupply in the industry.