The Dow Jones industrial average hit the 13,000-point milestone for the first time today, helped by strong earnings, stronger-than-expected economic data and Alcoa's plan to explore strategic alternatives for one of its business units.
The Dow Jones industrial average was up 72.32 points, or 0.56 per cent, at 13,026.26. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 7.12 points, or 0.48 per cent, at 1,487.53.
The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 10.02 points, or 0.40 per cent, at 2,534.56.