The unexpected uptick in the Semiconductor Industry Association’s book-to-bill ratio to 1.18 in October – that figure is now confirmed, and compares with a revised figure of 1.15 for September – has been followed by a fall-back in November, and the indicator came out at 1.14 – marking the lowest level for nine months, but still very positive compared with the 1.06 recorded a year ago. Personal computers drive the indicator these days, and early returns fron the field are patchy, with some electronics retailers talking of robust sales and others complaining about weaker-than-expected sales. November orders fell 1.5% to $5,030m on the October figure, but were still way above the $3,270m for November 1994. November shipments rose 2.2% to $4,410m, compared with $3,09om a year ago.
