Tech firms are enjoying their economic stimulus

The nation's bellwether technology sector is kicking into gear as businesses and consumers boost their spending on computers and electronics. Shipments of semiconductors are on the rise. Some companies are hiring. Tech stocks outperformed the market all summer. And US exports to China, including technology products, have climbed 33% since January. That's good news for California, home to hundreds of companies that make the software, chips and switches that power many of today's bestselling computer and electronics devices.