AMD stock downgraded

Intel's mid-quarter statement due today

Banc of America Securities has reduced AMD from a 'neutral' investment rating to 'sell' ahead of Intel's mid-quarter market statement to be announced tonight.

BoAS said it based its decision on the belief that AMD will report second quarter financial results that fall below the chip maker's expectations.

Such a shortfall is likely to have arisen from the poor state of the global chip market. Analysts are eager to receive Intel's statement for the picture of the broader market it will offer.

Intel has already said it expects its Q2 revenues to fall between $6.4 billion and $7 billion. It posted revenues of $6.75 billion for its first quarter.

According to a Reuters report, a number of analysts expect Intel to narrow its revenue target range, but lower the mid-point - effectively focusing its forecast on a lower figure than Q1's revenue. ®