Global PC prices to rise 10% in 2015 on forex volatility: Study

MUMBAI: To offset the effects of forex volatility, prices of personal computers globally are expected to rise 10 per cent this year, technology research and advisory firm Gartner today said.

The report said the price rise will be led by the euro zone and Japan following a steep fall in their currencies against the dollar.

"We are currently seeing a sharp appreciation of the dollar against most other currencies," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.

Atwal said personal computers (PC) vendors have little choice but to raise prices to protect profit, while selling to Europe and Japan, where local currencies have fallen by up to 20 per cent since the start of this year.

In mature markets, PC sales are determined by price, and through 2016, Gartner expects that 30 per cent of PC consumers will buy down the price curve.