Summary Box: Intel pulls off strongest net income in a decade on freer tech budgets

Summary Box: Intel’s 2Q net is best in a decade

BLOWOUT QUARTER: Intel books its largest quarterly net income in a decade as corporations step up spending on computers. Chipmaker earns $2.89 billion on revenue of $10.77 billion.

FREER TECH BUDGETS: An encouraging sign for the economy was that companies spent more on upgrading workers’ personal computers, more evidence they are freeing up their budgets.

TAMPTING DOWN FEARS: Many analysts worry that another slowdown is looming amid economic wobbliness in Europe and signs of slowing demand in China. Intel’s CEO said business in China and Europe started the quarter slow but rebounded.