A Taiwanese jetliner departed Monday for China to open a new era of direct air and shipping services with the mainland, formally ending a nearly six-decade ban on regular links between the rivals.

Leading shareholders of Hynix Semiconductor denied on Friday market talk the firm's capital could be reduced, boosting its shares, although persisting concerns over the sector outlook limited gains.

Fairchild Semiconductor said Friday it is cutting 12% of its workforce, or 1,100 people, in an attempt to reduce expenses.

Chip maker Cypress Semiconductor said late Friday that the US Department of Justice has closed its investigation into in a global price-fixing scheme involving a form of computer memory.

Infineon Technologies has indicated it could contribute 50 million euros ($66 million) to help rescue its loss-making chipmaker Qimonda, German magazine Focus said, citing sources close to negotiations.

No. 4 Pc maker Lenovo has confirmed speculation that it is talks towards a possible investment or acquisition. Lenovo did not reveal details of any third party, but media reports in Brazil have identified the country's largest PC maker Positivo Informatica as a potential target.