In Wednesday's election, however, the Democratic Alliance fell short of its forecast that it would capture 17percentt of the vote.
It is also taking a closer look at Shire's drug pipeline in light of its forecast that it can double revenues to $10bn by 2020.
The Nortel Networks Corporation said yesterday that it had fourth-quarter revenue of $2.8 billion, at the low end of its forecast, and that it expected to meet a self-imposed restatement filing deadline.
Monsanto, the agriculture company, however, warned that its 2009 earnings would come in at the low end of its forecast and said it would cut more jobs than previously announced.
Shares of Cirrus Logic Inc., which makes chips for DVD and MP3 players, rose as much as 15percentt after the company said yesterday that second-quarter sales met the top of its forecast and that it had settled a patent lawsuit.
IFCs evaluate and publish reports on the accuracy of its forecast against those of other forecasters and after the event to help increase transparency and help users to understand how forecasts are made and revised.
It maintained the top end of its forecast at $4.95 a share.
In a downward revision of its forecast for this year's PC business, it says that total shipments will fall by 9.7% compared to 2012, and will continue to drift down at least until 2017.
The diversified manufacturer said it expects earnings at the high end of its forecast of $2.15 to $2.35 per share.
In the afternoon, Boeing, which fell $4, to $62, reported that it had delivered 489 jetliners last year, one short of its forecast of 490.
As part of its forecast, the OBR will say whether or not it thinks the UK will slip back into recession this year for the third time.
