What news stories were CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY readers most interested in in 2013? Judging by hit counts, the SMTA-IPC colocation of their fall events was the leading story of the year.

The two trade associations agreed, after years of discussion, that the IPC Fall meeting would take place alongside the annual SMTAI trade show.

Second on the list was a rumor that Flextronics would acquire Sanmina. That one, obviously, did not come to pass.

The highest ranking pure tech story was a piece on how the right combination of materials, finishes and solders can have a marked effect on bare board cost and reliability.

A fire at Foxconn’s plant in Juarez, Mexico was No. 4. Schadenfreude, perhaps?

Coming in a No. 5 was the announcement of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY’s annual NPI awards.

Another tech story, this one on the completion of a lead-free solder validation test plan by several automotive OEMS, appeared at No. 6.

The decision by Alcatel to in-source assembly was No. 7.

Layoffs at Flextronics was No. 8.

Intel’s and AMD’s battle in the microprocessor market came in at No. 9.

Finally, another acquisition rumor, this one involving Foxconn and Asus, rounded out the Top 10.