Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased in March to its highest level in more than a year, according to the Consumer Electronics Association and CNET, but figures hint that technology spending continues to drop.

The index, which measures consumer expectations about the overall economy, grew to its highest level since February 2008, reaching 173.1 in March.

The index increased nearly seven points from last month and ended three straight months of decline. It is also up nearly five points from a year ago.

"Consumers are feeling more confident and their overall expectations for the health of the economy are beginning to improve," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's economist and director of research. "Americans continue to worry about their own job security but are feeling more confident that the economy will improve in the coming months."

While confidence in the overall direction of the economy is up, confidence in consumer electronics and technology dropped for the fourth straight month.

That index fell to 67.2, a drop of more than a point from last month and down more than 16 points from a year ago.

"With recent increases in the stock market and some signs of firming in the real estate market, consumers are beginning to indicate they'll be better off financially over the next year," said DuBravac. "Still, until consumers are more confident in an economic recovery, we expect consumer spending to remain muted."