CHRONOLOGY-John Chambers' changing view of the economy

NEW YORK, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Investors anxiously await every word Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Chief Executive John Chambers utters about the economy since the leading network equipment maker is seen as a bellwether for tech spending.

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Here's how comments have changed from quarter to quarter from the generally upbeat CEO.

Feb. 6, 2008

Chambers warned that orders slowed rapidly from December to January in the United States and Europe.

"It's the most cautious I've seen CEOs in the U.S. and Europe in many years," he said, citing softness at retailers and transport companies in the United States and at European service providers. He gave a weak third-quarter forecast.

Nov. 7, 2007

In Cisco's fiscal first quarter call Chambers warned of "dramatic decreases" in orders from U.S. banks.

"The U.S. enterprise, probably as a surprise to no one, is experiencing some softness," he said, blaming the automotive sector as well as banks and saying he expected the U.S. enterprise segment to remain "lumpy."