Chip sales turn positive in November

Chip sales delivered positive growth compared to a year ago for the first time in months, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.

The SIA reported that November chip sales were $22.6 billion, up 8.5 percent from a year ago. November chip sales were up 3.7 percent from October's tally.

Overall, chip sales are shaping up to be horrid for 2009. Sales for the first 11 months of 2009, were $202.1 billion, down 13.2 percent from the same period in 2008.

The SIA noted that the release of Windows 7 seems to be boosting chip sales as handsets and LCD TVs continue to stoke semiconductor demand.

Here's the scorecard (statement):