BRUSSELS -- The European Union is committing 5 billion euros ($6.5 billion) toward research on semiconductors and other electronics as part of an effort to catch its Asian and US rivals.

WASHINGTON -- Senators from both US political parties today announced a joint agreement to update the Toxic Substances Control Act to require all chemicals be screened for safety prior to entering the market.

FRANKFURT -- Germany-based printed circuit board fabricators reported sales rose 4% sequentially in March, but fell 6.4% year-over-year.

SAN JOSE, CA — North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers reported orders rose faster than shipments in April, but remained well below last year's figures.