Given the tech investment slowdown, what other metros are most vulnerable?
The most vulnerable metros are those production centers with a heavy concentration of information technology hardware. Production centers that haven’t moved to an indigenous technology development model are going to be slammed. These are locations with a few branch facilities of large firms that manufacture communication chips, mobile headsets, semiconductors, routers, communications boxes, personal and mainframe computers and other peripherals. Some metros with leading telecommunications services are exposed due to overinvestment in the industry. Lastly, metros with a disproportionate base of dot-coms are feeling severe fallout. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C. is vulnerable because of computers, and Austin, Sacramento and Boise City, Idaho will feel the slowdown in computer sales and face exposure due to a high concentration of electronic components. Rochester, Minn. has a heavy dependence on computers and storage devices. Albuquerque, N.M., Portland, Ore., and Phoenix are likely to
