TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Semiconductor Orders on Rise: The industry’s closely watched book-to-bill ratio rose to 1.15 in February, from a revised 1.10 in January, the Semiconductor Industry Assn. reported. Bookings--orders based on a three-month moving average--rose 6.4% to $2.67 billion, from $2.51 billion in January. Bookings were 28.5% above year-earlier levels. Billings--shipments based on a three-month moving average--rose 2.5% to $2.34 billion, from $2.28 billion. Billings were 33.5% higher than a year earlier. A book-to-bill ratio of 1.15 means that for every $100 worth of products shipped, manufacturers received $115 worth of orders.