U.S. Stocks Rise for 3rd Day as Earnings Fuel Optimism

U.S. stocks rose, giving the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index a third straight day of gains, as the start of corporate earnings season fueled increased optimism about growth in the world’s largest economy.

Alcoa Inc. increased 1.4 percent before the biggest U.S. aluminum producer reported results after the market closed. The stock added 1.3 percent in extended trading after earnings beat analysts’ estimates. Dell Inc. gained 3.1 percent as the largest shareholder-advisory firm said investors should accept founder Michael Dell’s buyout offer. Intel Corp. slumped 3.6 percent amid an analyst downgrade.