Global sales of fiber-optical equipment fell 7.4% in Q3 to $3.1 billion, with North America the weakest region, says research firm Infonetics. But market declines are leveling off, says Nomura analyst Stuart Jeffrey in a report. "This marks the third consecutive quarter of optical market declines, but the rate of decline has slowed from the 13% decline in Q1," he wrote. "Growth comparisons should get easier in the fourth quarter and through Q3