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.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.