Intel warning over weaker computer sales

Image caption, Intel is seen as an industry bellwether

Chipmaker Intel has cut its profit forecast after warning sales of computers were weaker than expected.

It said it now expected revenue of between $10.8bn (拢7bn) and $11.2bn in the July to September period, from a previous forecast of $11.2bn to $12bn.

As the world's biggest provider of the microprocessors, Intel is seen as an technology industry bellwether.

Analysts said the warning added to evidence of the US's sluggish economic recovery.

This is traditionally a time for strong computer sales as families buy laptops for children going back to school or college.

But Intel said it was seeing "weaker than expected demand for consumer PCs in mature markets".

Last week, PC maker Dell gave a similar message while Hewlett-Packard said it saw some "softness" in the consumer laptop market.