Los Angeles—Online display advertising expenditures grew almost by half over the first six months of the year, compared with the same period in 2009, according to a new report from ad technology company Rubicon Project.

According to the company’s “Q2 2010 Online Advertising Market Report,” the average cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) of a sampling of Rubicon customers within the news, gaming, finance and entertainment categories increased 47% from the start of 2010 to its midpoint. The company’s clients include Gannett Co., NBC Universal and Time Inc.

Digital ad budgets are being spurred by growth in markets in China and the Middle East, according to the company.