Chip manufacturers reported slower chip sales for November. However, the magnitude of the decline in revenue growth was in line with some hiccups over the past five years and was only one fourth of the decline that followed the dotcom bust in early 2001.

Rumors about substantial cutbacks at Microsoft have been circulating for at least two months, but have not been confirmed by credible sources. The rumors were reignited by Fudzilla, which claims that the axe will fall on January 15 and affect about 15,000 employees. 

Retailers are slashing prices to curb Christmas sales declines, but there is also a surprising success story from Amazon.com, which reported that its 14th holiday season was the best in the company’s history.