SAN FRANCISCO — CBS's earnings growth accelerated during the fourth quarter as advertisers spent more broadcasting their commercials during last year's political campaign and holiday shopping season.

The results released Wednesday provided the latest sign that advertisers are increasing their television and radio marketing budgets as they feel more confident about the U.S. economy's recovery from the Great Recession. Advertising also has been rising in most other media.

CBS, based in New York, serves as a barometer of advertising sentiment because it runs the top-rated television network and owns 28 local TV stations and 130 radio stations.

NEW YORK — More homeowners across the country made their mortgage payments on time in the fourth quarter, but with housing prices falling, prospects for improvement in 2011 have faded.Credit reporting agency TransUnion found that 6.41 percent of homeowners were behind on their mortgages by 60 days or more during the last three months of 2010. It marked the fourth-straight period the rate fell, and was down from 6.89 percent in 2009's fourth quarter, when delinquencies peaked.

SEATTLE — Personal computer maker Dell said Tuesday its net income more than doubled in the most recent quarter to handily beat expectations, as businesses spent more on computers, servers and other technology.Dell also issued annual revenue guidance for the current fiscal year that beat Wall Street’s forecast. The results sent Dell’s shares soaring in extended trading.Dell Chief Financial Officer Brian Gladden said he expects the consumer PC business will remain weak this fiscal year.