Semiconductor Equipment Sales Continue to Climb.

Book-to-bill ratio figures from the semiconductor industry continue to show a recovery from last year's slump. New orders for equipment in North America in April grew 18% to $1.3bn, up from $1.1bn in the same month last year, according to figures from SEMI, the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International trade organization. The ratio was 1.28, or $128 of new orders received for every $100 shipped - the fourth month of growth, though slightly lower than last month's revised figure of 1.33. Using three month moving average figures, shipments were $1.02bn, 10% up on March but 28% lower then last year's $1.4bn. The bookings average was 6% up from the previous month. SEMI said that the figures showed strong demand from Asian markets.