Major U.S. stock-indexes rose on Tuesday, the S&P 500 and the Dow hit record intraday highs, while the Nasdaq wiped out its losses for the year, buoyed by increasing prospects of global economic health and with Alcoa getting the U.S. earnings season off to a promising start. Alcoa (AA) reported a smaller-than-expected drop in quarterly profit, sending the aluminum producer's shares up 5% and helping boost optimism about the earnings season.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (19 of 30). Top looser - The Boeing Company (BA, -1,15%). Top gainer - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, +2,98%).

Most of all S&P sectors in positive area. Top looser - Utilities (-0,6%). Top gainer - Basic Materials (+2,2%).

At the moment:

Dow 18235.00 +88.00 +0.48%

S&P 500 2143.50 +13.25 +0.62%

Nasdaq 100 4572.25 +22.75 +0.50%

Oil 46.16 +1.40 +3.13%

Gold 1341.40 -15.20 -1.12%

U.S. 10yr 1.49 +0.06