Rising orders show worst of IT slump over

FORECASTS of improving orders from Flextronics International, Intel, and Advanced Micro Devices suggest that the worst of a three-year slump in sales of computer hardware, software and services may be over.

Intel, the world’s biggest chipmaker, twice raised its estimate for third-quarter sales, citing “strong, broad-based” demand. Advanced Micro said orders are increasing for flash memory chips used to store numbers and settings in phones and cameras.

Flextronics International, the largest maker of electronics for other companies, said its printed circuit-board unit would have a profit next quarter, the first in three years.