Investors turned more optimistic Wednesday after Alcoa (NYSE:AA) beat analysts' expectations, kicking off the fourth-quarter earnings season. Optimism remains tempered, though. 
 
“Alcoa’s report got us off to a good start. Still, earnings growth is going to be a little bit harder to come by. If we see some good results from bellwether companies, that will definitely give a lift to the market," said Peter Jankovskis, co-chief investment office at Lisle, according to Bloomberg.

According to analysts' estimates compiled by Bloomberg, four-quarter profits at S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) companies will likely increase by 2.9%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) was up 0.41% to 13,383 points as of 1:06 p.m. EST.

Alcoa is up 0.19% to $9.12 today after beating analysts' estimates for its fourth-quarter financial results.
 
Boeing (NYSE:BA) has been the Dow's biggest gainer today, climbing 3.14% to $76.46. Concerns about the safety of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner have been raised after the jet plane experienced three technical problems in three days.
 
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) rose today by 1.33% to $15.60. HP announced that it will add 200 jobs to its Alpharetta campus. At the same time, HP will slash 200 jobs from its Rio Rancho campus.
 
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) has seen the largest decline today, sliding 3.42% to $11.57. Bank of America announced yesterday that it plans on selling the collection rights to another $100 billion worth of mortgages.
 
Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) also fell 0.68% to $87.88.

Twitter: @ChrisWitrak