ARLINGTON, VA – Consumer confidence in the overall economy improved, while confidence in technology and consumer electronics fell slightly in October, according to the Consumer Electronics Association and CNET.

The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations climbed five points to 174.1 in October.

The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is up 10.4 points from this time last year, and has climbed in three of the last six months.

“Consumers were met with positive news regarding economic recovery this month,” said Anne Claudio, vice president of research at CBS Interactive. “The stock market rallied to levels not reached in years, while optimism is being expressed by economic leaders that the end of the recession is near.”

The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations declined four points this month. The ICTE, which measures expectations for buying CE and spending more on CE products and services, is up 3.1 points year-over-year.

EL SEGUNDO, CA -- Despite fears that buyers are inflating semiconductor purchases in order to guarantee adequate supplies, there’s no indication that chip purchasers are engaging in double-booking, a leading research firm said today.

SAN JOSE -- Manufacturers are beginning to feel the downside of the increase in business: component shortages.

ATLANTA – Lockheed Martin Corp. reported third-quarter revenue climbed 5% from last year to $11.06 billion.