America Inc. Offers Upbeat View in Absence of Economic Data

Investors looking for clarity in the absence of strong data got a signal of economic resilience on Tuesday with a slew of outlook hikes that augur optimism from some of the biggest US transport, consumer and industrial titans.

General Electric Co. raised its full-year forecast for a second consecutive quarter as the jet-engine manufacturer cashes in on a rebound in air travel and rising demand for maintenance and new engines. The company, whose stock was already up roughly 80% so far this year, also bumped its adjusted revenue growth forecast to “high teens” from “mid-teens.” 3M Co., Northrop Grumman Corp. and RTX Corp. all followed suit, raising their profit guidance and citing “confidence” or similarly upbeat trends for the year ahead.