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Recession Bites Into Apple
November sales down, stock falls
By Peter Fearon
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Posted Dec 16, 08 4:57 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Even apparently recession-proof Apple is now beginning to show signs of strain, and some analysts are predicting a major slowdown for the computer giant next year, the Wall Street Journal reports. US sales of Macs last month declined 1% over a year ago, while PC sales rose 2%. One analyst cut his estimate for Apple's 2009 profit, warning of difficult times ahead.
While Apple is still juicing its rivals on laptop sales, desktop Mac sales have fallen by 35%. Experts blame the downturn on Apple’s premium-pricing policy, which until now has been successful for the company. PC makers have begun offering discounts up to 50%, whereas Apple wares have been pared by 10% at most. Still, several analysts predict Apple will weather the storm better than its rivals.