News Summary: Alcoa posts rise in 1Q profit
News Summary: Planes and cars help aluminum maker Alcoa boost 1Q profit
JUMP START: Alcoa opened the earnings season by reporting a $149 million profit in the first quarter, up from $94 million a year earlier. The results beat Wall Street expectations.
AUTOS, AIRLINES: The company benefited from demand for cars and planes that get better fuel mileage — that means more lightweight aluminum parts.
DEMAND RISING: Alcoa reiterated its forecast that global demand for aluminum will rise 7 percent this year, led by aerospace and economic growth in China.