intel

Semiconductor stocks climbed higher Friday following the financial results of bellwether chip giant Intel. But despite the robust results that beat Wall Street's estimates, analysts expect the industry's revenue growth will cool off to 5% for the year, versus the 30% seen last year.

After two years of go-go growth in the semiconductor sector as customers restocked lean inventories, the industry is expected to post more modest growth in 2011 as it faces lower average selling prices for chips and the cyclical demand for semiconductors hits a lull.

Alcoa, Intel and JPMorgan Chase will kick off a new earnings season this week when they report their results for the fourth quarter of 2010. Here's what analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect, followed by a glance at what's coming up on the economic calendar.

Even after a round of acquisitions in 2010, some big tech companies are still rolling in cash -- and 2011 looks like another promising year for tech mergers. Here's columnist Peter Cohan's list of top tech acquisition targets for 2011.

Aiming to ease a major concern among Hollywood studios, Intel is set to introduce new chips that will have antipiracy measures built in. This will allow the streaming of top-quality 1080p movie images to PCs, something pretty much not possible up to now.

Wall Street's consensus sees the S&P 500 tacking on an 11% gain over the next 12 months -- with lots of ups and downs along the way. That has us inclined to play defense, with an eye toward bargain stocks paying generous, sustainable dividends. Here are our top 11 picks for 2011.

Among Monday's top online stories for investors: Seven stocks insiders are buying like crazy; financial books for your holiday gift list; and would you trust a former hedge fund manager who is also an ex-con and former sex offender with your money?

Intel announced Friday that it is increasing its quarterly dividend by 15% to 18 cents per share, and the world's largest microchip maker said it's on track to have its "best year ever."

Intel has struck a deal with Achronix Semiconductor to manufacture chips for the boutique player using its latest high-tech manufacturing production line, the companies announced Monday. This is the first time Intel has agreed to such an arrangement.

The world's largest chipmaker turned on the lights Tuesday at its first chip plant in China. Intel co-founder Andy Grove, who recently called for keeping tech jobs in the U.S., might not be so proud.