If the chip makers aren't doing well, most technology companies won't, either.
Many computer stocks, especially those of chip makers, moved lower throughout the day.
But Japanese chip makers say they doubt the move will work.
This is an area in which American chip makers are still considered to have an advantage.
As a result, chip makers have developed innovations more quickly.
But for many other chip makers, lower prices could mean an end to the boom.
And some major chip makers may also look for a second distributor.
For the full year, the big five chip makers expect only narrow profits.
The competition between the chip makers has intensified of late.
He said Intel, the world's largest chip maker, would make its decision this year.