The chip market is on the upturn, according to September figures released by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). The organisation said that the worldwide market for semiconductors grew by 4.2 per cent during the month, representing sales of $10.22 billion. That is an increase of $414 million from August sales. According to SIA president George Scalise, the sales figures showed the largest percentage jump for September in trhe last eight years. He said: "This increases our optimism for stronger than expected sales in the fourth quarter, as it is typically the most active period of the year." Europe showed the biggest percentage jump over August, with an increase of 6.2 per cent. However, despite the SIA's optimism, year on year, the figures show a sharp decline, with drops of 12.7 per cent for the Americas, 11.4 per cent for Asia Pacific, and a precipitous drop of 27.9 per cent for the Japanese market. ® Click for more stories Click for story index