Global chip sales rise year-over-year for 19th straight month

Global chip sales grew on a year-over-year basis for a 19th month in a row, according to data released late Monday from the Semiconductor Industry Association. February chip sales grew 21% to $36.8 billion. That was off from a record $37.6 billion set in January but the lower February number reflects typical market trends, SIA said. Global sales growth was the strongest in the Americas, with a 37.7% increase, along with 21.7% growth in Europe, and 16.4% growth in China. "The Americas stood out once again, with sales increasing nearly 40 percent compared to last year, and sales were up year-to-year across all major semiconductor product categories," said John Neuffer, SIA president and chief executive, in a statement. The PHLX Semiconductor Index dropped 3.9% Monday along with the broader market and is up more than 26% over the past 12 months, compared with the 9.3% rise in the S&P 500 index

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