THE world personal computer (PC) market posted its slowest growth rate for the third quarter in five years, according to market analyst figures released yesterday. International Data Corp (IDC) and Dataquest said the computer market had grown a meager 16 per cent in the third quarter, but expected a rebound in the fourth quarter and for 1997.

Computer unit shipments increased 16 per cent worldwide from June to September over the same period last year, according to IDC.

Dataquest gave similar figures in its quarterly market report, with worldwide growth at 16.3 per cent and 12.5 per cent in the United States.