It is by no means on side and while Nato moves into its new and as yet ill-defined post-2014 role, it will still be a neighbour to Afghanistan.

BBC: Is Nato's Afghan timetable a milestone or millstone?

Berger notes that the SOX has sold off about 7% in recent weeks, while the rest of the market moves to new highs, suggesting that some of the bad news is already in the semi stocks.

FORBES: Chips: Seeing Weak Shipments Trends, FBR Slashes Estimates

In other MLS news Tim Cahill joins the New York Red Bulls while Honduran midfielder Mario Martinez moves to Seattle Sounders on loan from Real Espana.

FORBES: August 2012 Revisited - Mexico And USA Olympic Champions; Jamaica Beats US in WCQ; Sounders Don't Win Cup