Monthly global chip sales top $40 billion mark for first time

Monthly global chip sales cracked a record $40 billion in August, according to trade group Semiconductor Industry Association late Monday. SIA reported that August chip sales rose 14.9% worldwide to $40.16 billion from a year ago, topping July's record sales of $39.49 billion. "While year-to-year growth has moderated somewhat in recent months, sales remain strong across every major semiconductor product category and regional market, with the China and Americas markets standing out with the largest year-year growth," said John Neuffer, SIA president and chief executive, in a statement. China sales rose 27.3% from a year ago, while sales in the Americas rose 15%, according to SIA. The PHLX Semiconductor Index , which had been up as much as 15% on the year, finished Monday up 9.4% for the year, on parity with the S&P 500 index . The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index is up 16.4% for the year.

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