STAMFORD, CT – Gartner Inc. has raised its 2008 worldwide IC forecast from 3.4% to 4.6%. The firm now says the IC industry is projected to reach $287 billion this year.

Gartner raised their forecast because of the stable market, despite economic concerns. Global sales for semiconductors were seasonally normal in the first quarter, as a result of strong PC and cellphone markets, according to Gartner analyst Richard Gordon.

In March, Gartner cut its worldwide IC forecast by almost 50%, citing weak demands and falling chip prices. But in December, the company said the overall IC market would grow 6.2% year-over-year.

Gartner’s latest predictions oppose last week’s forecast by World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, which cut its IC forecast by nearly half. The global semiconductor market is expected to grow by 4.7% to $267.7 billion in 2008, says WSTS.